PARAGUAY: VICE PRESIDENT ASKS CHARGE TO DELAY

UNCLAS ASUNCION 001383

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

STATE FOR WHA A/S SHANNON, PDAS SHAPIRO, AND DAS DUDDY
SOUTHCOM FOR POLAD BARBARA MOORE
NSC FOR SUE CRONIN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL MARR PA
SUBJECT: PARAGUAY: VICE PRESIDENT ASKS CHARGE TO DELAY
VISIT BY GENERAL CRADDOCK



1. (SBU) Vice President Castiglioni (Acting President and our
strongest supporter within the GOP) asked Charge directly
11/2 to delay visit by General Craddock until after the
Colorado internal elections February 19, 2006.


2. (SBU) Castiglioni said the current atmosphere in Paraguay
and the region would lead the visit (at this time) to be a
net minus for US-Paraguay relations, adding to anti-US
sentiment and fueling attacks on pro-US politicians both
within the Colorado party and from outside (such as the
anti-US President of Congress). This is due to the
cumulative effect of high-level visits, the surprise
emergence of a strong opponent to President Duarte in
internal Colorado elections, and the disinformation campaign
about the USG's alleged plans to establish military bases in
Paraguay, steal water from the Guarani aquifer, use a planned
new FBI office in Asuncion to spy on the region, etc.
Castiglioni was not/not alarmist on this score at all, but
clearly said it would be better to wait.


3. (SBU) Due to the above, and other regional considerations
(Bolivian elections, symbolism of Combatant Commander
visiting ONLY Paraguay within South America on this trip,
etc.),Post favors delaying the visit and having the stop
here included in visits to other countries in the region, if
possible.


4. (SBU) However, if Department so instructs, Post believes
we can convince the GOP to accept the Combatant Commander's
visit in December as planned, or in January if Department
wishes to address the Bolivia angle but not the Paraguay one.
If so, due to the problematical timing of the visit, Post
requests:

-- visit be low key and appointments no higher than MOD;

-- visit be restricted to Asuncion (currently plans to go to
Tri-Border Area (TBA) and see Itaipu Dam, which would fuel
flames of US military designs on that region, strengthen
conspiracy theories, irritate Brazil and thus expose pro-US
players within GOP to internal attacks);

-- visit be portrayed to press as routine and that it not/not
publicly emphasize counter-terrorism or TBA.


5. (SBU) Post requests Department guidance on how to proceed.
Post will make work whichever path Washington selects.
JOHNSON