MEDIA REACTION ON IRAQ, APRIL 15, 2004

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 000873

SIPDIS

FOR WHA/PDA, IIP/G/WHA, IIP/T/ES, AND WHA/CEN
FOR PM, WHA/PPC, AND NEA/NGA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OIIP PREL KPAO PGOV MOPS HO
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION ON IRAQ, APRIL 15, 2004



1. Article in Tegucigalpa-based liberal daily "La Tribuna"
on 4/15 entitled "Sixth attack to Tegucigalpa Base."
"Colonel Wilfredo Calderon Canales, commander of battalion
Xatruch II, confirmed in a phone interview that the Honduran
base in Najaf was attacked by unknown Iraqi forces on the
afternoon of 4/14."

"Colonel Calderon Canales said, `we're always alert, and we
have reinforced our base to prevent other attacks. I'm
happy to say that there have been no injuries or material
losses to our base'."


2. Article in San Pedro Sula-based liberal daily "Tiempo" on
4/15 entitled "Troops would return from Iraq." "Federico
Breve, Minister of Defense, said that only if the conditions
of the war in Iraq become intolerable, he would recommend
the return of the Honduran troops."

"Breve said, `If we believe the situation becomes
intolerable, and it isn't possible for our troops to handle
it properly, we'd recommend their return. However, I think
the current instability is only temporary. We're convinced
we'll complete our mission, and the troops will return once
the authorization by Congress terminates in July'."


3. On 4/14, the news program "Abriendo Brecha" showed the
second part of a series of reports from Iraq by Yuri Mora.
The report focused on the work done by the 12 women soldiers
who are part of Xatruch II battalion, and the fact that
Honduras is the only Latin American country that has sent
women to Iraq. They are in charge of providing medical
attention, patrolling, and other activities.

Palmer