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