STUDENT DEMONSTRATIONS

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 002777

SIPDIS

DS/ER/CC, DS/IP/WHA-MFLYNN, DS/ITA-KHALL, WHA/CEN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC KSAC HO PGOV
SUBJECT: STUDENT DEMONSTRATIONS


1. Summary. Over the last several days student demonstrations
have been taking place outside the public university in
Tegucigalpa. The Government of Honduras (GOH) has threatened
to close down the university for a year because of corruption
in the awarding of degrees and student demonstrations. These
demonstrations have not turned violent but tires have been
burned in the street and traffic has been interrupted outside
the main entrance to the university, which is located on the
east side of town. End Summary.


2. Over the last few days students have been demonstrating
over the GOH threats to close down the National University of
Honduras (UNAH). On Friday, December 10, the road outside
UNAH, a main highway, was stopped to vehicle traffic for over
two hours with burning tires and angry students. The
students planned to march to the National Congress but that
did not materialize. RSO sources reported that these
demonstrations, along with marches to the National Congress,
would continue for the week of December 13-17.


3. December 13, at approximately 1100 hours, students staging
a rally outside the National Congress were tear-gassed by
anti-riot police. It appeared that the crowd, estimated at
3,000 participants, were pushing up against the anti-riot
unit stationed outside the building. When the tear gas was
disbursed the crowd departed the area and it appeared the
demonstration was over for the day. As of 1410 hours, RSO
source informed the security office that students, whose
numbers are estimated at 700 plus, were returning to the
National Congress area armed with sticks and rocks. It has
been reported that additional police elements are preparing
to reinforce the anti-riot police.


4. At this time, no violence or injuries have been reported.
RSO has been advising embassy employees of the changing
situation and assisting motor pool to avoid the effected
area. The demonstrations have in no way been targeted at the
USG.
Pierce