MEDIA REACTION ON IRAQ, APRIL 21, 2004

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 000925

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 21, 2004



1. Editorial in Tegucigalpa-based liberal daily "La Tribuna"
on 4/21 entitled "Retreat" "The announced return of our
troops has only confirmed a decision taken by President
Maduro almost a month ago that he wouldn't request to
Congress an extension to authorize the presence of
additional Honduran troops in Iraq."

"Maduro's decision, which has been well received by the
Honduran people, shouldn't upset any other member of the
coalition. Neither should it change the good relationship
between Honduras and the U.S., as it was confirmed by
Ambassador Palmer."

"Anyway, there's not much to rebuild in Iraq now, since most
of the troops can't leave their bases to avoid any clashes
with Iraqi insurgents. The `peace' mission we were told we
would carry out has now become a very dangerous one."

"Considering such circumstances, there's still danger for
our troops as long as they remain in Iraq. There's no doubt
that our soldiers and their relatives will be very happy
when they finally hear the trumpet for their final retreat."


2. Editorial in Tegucigalpa-based moderate daily "El
Heraldo" on 4/21 entitled "Rectification" "Even though
President Maduro said that the Honduran troops will return
from Iraq `as soon as possible' actually means about `six to
eight weeks' according to Minister of Defense Federico
Breve, the decision to bring back our soldiers has fixed a
mistake and brings tranquility to the troops, and to their
relatives."

"Beyond the legal and moral objections to the war, invasion,
and occupation in Iraq, the presence of Honduran troops has
caused distress and uncertainty because the U.S. and its
helpers haven't been able to earn the trust of the Iraqis,
who see them as foreign enemies violating their sovereignty,
not as their `saviors'."

"We have enough social, economic and political problems to
stick our nose in the business of others. We're glad
President Maduro has finally understood this message."


3. Editorial in San Pedro Sula-based liberal daily "La
Prensa" on 4/21 entitled "The return" "The announcement of
President Maduro came as a result of the aggravation of the
situation in Iraq, as well as the declaration of the new
Spanish President of the immediate withdrawal of their
troops."

"We hope the Honduran soldiers return in a short term,
because even though President Maduro said they will return
`as soon as possible', he was also referring to his previous
intention of not requesting an authorization from Congress
to extend the presence of our troops. We expect that the
coordination of the transportation from Iraq, which may be
one of the main obstacles for their return, is done in
relation to the safety and well-being of the troops."

Palmer