MEDIA REACTION ON IRAQ, APRIL 26, 2004

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 000966

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 26, 2004



1. Editorial in San Pedro Sula-based liberal daily "Tiempo"
on 4/24 entitled "Return of the troops." "President Maduro
has recently announced the return of the Honduran troops in
Iraq, who were supposed to carry out humanitarian and
reconstruction works in that country."

"When the Honduran government took the decision to send
troops to the Iraqi war, it was well aware of the risks
involving this mission, because in a war everyone knows how
it starts, but not how it ends. Thus, no one should plead
ignorance, and much less try to deceive others."

"On this issue, there should be no speculations or attempts
to manipulate public opinion."


2. Op-ed by Mario Argueta in Tegucigalpa-based moderate
daily "El Heraldo" on 4/24 entitled "The return." "The
Honduran government has taken an appropriate decision by
ordering the return of the second contingent of Honduran
troops that was sent to Iraq in February."

"The decision of President Maduro, which was broadly
supported by the national public opinion, is very
convenient. We should leave behind this adventure, and we
expect our Armed Forces won't be required to interfere in
the internal affairs of other countries that haven't
requested our support."

Palmer