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