TFIZO1: ANTI-WAR PROTEST OUTSIDE EMBASSY SMALLER

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 000754 SIPDIS STATE FOR TFIZ, WHA, WHA/CEN, WHA/PPC, AND DS/OP/WHA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL SOCI IZ HO SUBJECT: TFIZO1: ANTI-WAR PROTEST OUTSIDE EMBASSY SMALLER THAN EXPECTED IN HONDURAS REF: TEGUCIGALPA 425 ¶1. On March 24, from about 3:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., a demonstration against the war in Iraq took place outside the Embassy. The event was organized by Carlos Reyes, President of the Popular Block, an anti-U.S. leftist organization. Participating in the demonstration were other like-minded organizations, all of whom have taken part in past anti-U.S. protests (reftel). Post initially expected up to 1,000 protesters, but at most only 300 demonstrators participated. While Reyes had contacted many other organizations, including labor unions, in an effort to expand turn-out, attendance was limited to past protest groups. ¶2. Two protesters threw paint at a USG facility and one painted a slogan before police moved in to protect the property. Also, several U.S. flags were burned and three other men "launched" about ten loud fireworks. The demonstration ended peacefully when the crowd moved on to the Spanish Embassy. Police presence was adequate to ensure the protection of USG property and personnel. ¶3. COMMENT: Despite its opposition to the war in Iraq, the Liberal Party avoided any involvement in the demonstration. One leader said "we are anti-war, not anti-U.S." END COMMENT Palmer