UNCLAS ASUNCION 001514

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV KCRM SNAR PA
SUBJECT: PARAGUAY: CONSTRUCTION OF SENAD OFFICES IN PEDRO
JUAN CABALLERO


1. On 12/12, Charg, DEA Director, and INL Assistant attended
the ground breaking ceremony for the new National Anti-Drug
Secretariat (SENAD) Operations Base, funded by INL, in the

SIPDIS
city of Pedro Juan Caballero (PJC), Department of Amambay,
Paraguay. The ground breaking ceremony initiated at the
Governor's building was followed by a protocol visit to the
site. Attendees included the USG reps noted above, Amambay
Governor Roberto Acevedo, SENAD Director Hugo Ibarra, Deputy
Attorney General Marcos Alcaraz, judges from PJC, Federal
Police from Asuncion and Punta Pora, Brazil and the press.


2. Acevedo and Ibarra expressed appreciation for the U.S.
assistance. Brazilian officials read a statement on behalf
of Brazilian Federal Judge Odilon de Oliveira conveying
support for the project and the contribution it would make to
combating drug trafficking in the region. The Charge praised
SENAD for its counter drug efforts, applauded cooperation
between Paraguay and Brazil and stressed the need for
Paraguay to remove corrupt officials and address the problem
of impunity. During the ground breaking ceremony, a group of
some 10-15 peaceful demonstrators held signs reading &No
U.S. Base in PJC8 and &Get out Yankees." All the signs
were written with the same block letters and protesters
appeared relatively unenthusiastic suggesting they may have
been filling in as protesters for hire.


3. The long-term goal of the PJC project is to improve
SENAD's operational capabilities in the Northeast region of
Paraguay. Work will be undertaken in two phases: the first
phase includes the construction of the new SENAD facility and
is scheduled for completion in July 2006; phase two which
includes the addition of a helicopter hanger and launch pad
will be undertaken upon completion of phase one. The USG will
provide fuel tanks and fuel pumps to the PJC office to
afford greater operational maneuverability in a region where
much of the drug trafficking in Paraguay occurs.
JOHNSON