NON-VIOLENT PROTEST STAGED AT EMBASSY ASUNCION

UNCLAS ASUNCION 000846 SIPDIS DEPT FOR DS, DS COMMAND CENTER, DS/DSS, DS/IP, DS/IP/WHA, DS/ICI, DS/ICI/PII, DS/ITA, DS/IP/FPO, WHA/BSC, WHA/EX, POSTS FOR RSO, ESC AND LEGATT E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC SUBJECT: NON-VIOLENT PROTEST STAGED AT EMBASSY ASUNCION SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED - PROTECT ACCORDINGLY. ¶1. (U) On July 1, at 0915 hours, a demonstration formed in front of the U.S. Embassy Compound. Approximately 100 persons protested non-violently in what they called a "Call for World Action Against Poverty". The organizers of the event indicated that 50 NGO's on social, campesino, indigenous, women and children issues in Paraguay were participating in the demonstration. ¶2. (U) Three leaders of the demonstration, Juan Carlos Justa Alonso, Dionisio Gauto Galeano, and Victoria Beatriz Peralta Rolon, presented the RSO a letter addressed to the U.S. Ambassador highlighting their desire that the richest countries of the world forgive debt and increase aid significantly to the poorest countries. The leaders indicated that their protest was in conjunction with a worldwide protest occurring today and that it had nothing to do with the Embassy's 4th of July flag raising ceremony that had just ended prior to the demonstration. After the demonstrators handed the RSO the letter, the demonstrators departed (0946 hrs). ¶3. (SBU) RSO reacted the MSG's, ARSO, and local guards and Embassy National Police assets. Employees were prohibited from entering/leaving the Embassy Compound from the front gate area where the protesters were gathered until the demonstration concluded. The demonstration was peaceful and without incident. KEANE