PARAGUAY SUPPORTS U.S. ELECTION STANDARDS

UNCLAS ASUNCION 000547 SIPDIS STATE WHA/BSC AND OAS NSC FOR KIM BREIER E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KDEM PREL PA SUBJECT: PARAGUAY SUPPORTS U.S. ELECTION STANDARDS INITIATIVE REF: A. STATE 71948 ¶B. ASUNCION 514 ¶C. STATE 66782 ¶1. On 4/21, Ambassador drew from reftel A in meeting with FM Rachid appealing for GOP support for the U.S. Election Standards Initiative. The OAS has demonstrated a strong commitment to free and fair elections; Paraguay's own performance with regard to the integrity of its Electoral Tribunal and the wider adoption of electronic voting serves as a model for others. Rachid conveyed strong GOP support for the U.S. election initiative and a readiness to work with us in further developing this concept at the upcoming meeting in Chile. ¶2. In connection to the Ministerial Declaration for this meeting, Rachid passed Ambassador a paper outlining proposed changes that would draw attention to the importance of human rights and development to the advancement of democracy. Post has faxed these proposed changes to the Department/DRL for its consideration. ¶3. On 4/22, DCM met with the President of Paraguay's election commission (Tribunal Superior de Justicia Electoral, or TSJE),Rafael Dendia, to discuss the U.S. election initiative and solicit TSJE support. DCM also drew from reftel A, explaining that Paraguay is well positioned to advocate for election standards for the Americas, and that Members of the TSJE could play a key role on a future panel of experts. He suggested the TSJE discuss the issue with the MFA and possibly offer its expertise. Dendia said the initiative was "an excellent idea," and that the TSJE "would support it 100 percent." He said he will seek an appointment with the MFA next week to discuss Paraguay's potential role. KEANE