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