REACHING OUT TO GOVERNMENTS AND NGOS ON CUBA:

C O N F I D E N T I A L SANTO DOMINGO 004200 SIPDIS STATE FOR WHA/CAR AND WHA/CCA E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/19/2009 TAGS: PREL CU DR SUBJECT: REACHING OUT TO GOVERNMENTS AND NGOS ON CUBA: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC REF: A. (A) STATE 152813 ¶B. (B) SANTO DOMINGO 2933 Classified By: Acting DCM Mary B. Marshall for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). (C) In part because the Dominican Republic is in a transition between governments, the time is not yet right to reach out to government and NGOs here for support to Cuban civil society. The presidential inauguration is scheduled for August 16. -- The Mejia government (PRD) has been an ally on Cuba but has gone into a caretaker mode. It will not be receptive to suggestions for new initiatives. -- President-elect Fernandez has not named his cabinet. The three-person transition team is working primarily on fiscal and IMF matters. They do not have authority to undertake political initiatives at this time. -- President-elect Leonel Fernandez (PLD) indicated to the Ambassador that relations with Cuba would be a relatively low priority (Ref B). -- Ambassador and Embassy will continue to convey U.S. position on Cuba with the President-elect. -- The small number of credible local NGOs in the Dominican Republic direct their efforts to domestic issues, including the need for transparency and reform of Dominican government procedures, fighting corruption, and improving social conditions. These NGOs do not have an adequate international focus to undertake campaigns in favor of Cuban civil society. HERTELL