ECUADOR COMMITTED TO FIGHTING TIP

UNCLAS QUITO 001273 SIPDIS CDR USSOUTHCOM MIAMI FL IMMEDIATE HOMELAND SECURITY CENTER WASHDC IMMEDIATE STATE FOR WHA/PPC, WHA/AND, AND G/TIP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KCRM KWMN PHUM PREL SMIG EC SUBJECT: ECUADOR COMMITTED TO FIGHTING TIP REF: A. STATE 102360 ¶B. QUITO 1256 ¶1. Summary: We delivered reftel talking points and the suggested trafficking in persons (TIP) action plan to the MOG and MFA on June 2, explaining the urgency of significant action to combat TIP in the next 60 days. MOG officials are reviewing the anti-TIP law Congress passed on June 1 and will work diligently to implement it. MFA officials pledged to continue working with other ministries to encourage progress. We will continue to press Ecuador to prosecute traffickers, train police and prosecutors, assist victims, and raise the public profile of this important issue. End Summary. MOG and MFA Committed to Fighting TIP -------------- ¶2. On June 2, PolChief delivered reftel talking points and suggested action items to MOG advisor Darwin Delgado and TIP POC. Delgado said his office is analyzing the TIP law Congress passed on June 1, and will meet with women's groups before deciding whether to recommend the President sign the law. PolChief expressed the urgency of implementation of the law to make arrests within the next 60 days. ¶3. PolChief and PolOff discussed the TIP report with the MFA Human Rights Director Carmen Larrea on June 2. Larrea expressed concern about trafficking and the consequences of a Tier 3 designation. Larrea said she was a personal friend of Minister of Government Mauricio Gandara and would urge the MOG for anti-TIP actions. PolOff emphasized the need for significant law enforcement actions using the new legislation within 60 days and explained the need for progress on various fronts elaborated in the action plan. ¶4. Comment: MOG and MFA officials, and President Palacio himself (ref B),have uniformly expressed understanding of the Tier III designation and commitment to make progress in the near future. Our immediate goal is to ensure the GOE carries out law enforcement actions using the law, and helps victims. We will work closely with the GOE and other key players to encourage progress over the next 60 days. With many other priorities competing for the new government's attention, the road ahead will be challenging. Kenney