GUTIERREZ: BILATERAL RELATIONS REMAIN STRONG

UNCLAS QUITO 000089

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV ECON ETRD EFIN EC
SUBJECT: GUTIERREZ: BILATERAL RELATIONS REMAIN STRONG



1. Concerned that sensationalistic media play alleging the
Embassy was reconsidering its support of President Lucio
Gutierrez was damaging heretofore excellent bilateral
relations, the Ambassador January 13 telephoned the
Ecuadorian leader to clear the air. She opened by discussing
Gutierrez's upcoming travel to New York and President George
H.W. Bush's January 15 visit to Ecuador. At both events,
Gutierrez would likely be grilled over perceptions he was
acting dictatorially. His interlocutors undoubtedly would
reference the Embassy spokesman's recent remarks that we were
troubled by Congress's December move to remake Ecuador's high
courts. The Ambassador cautioned Gutierrez not to succumb to
a point-by-point rebuttal, but instead offer his future plans
to fortify Ecuadorian democracy, promote freer trade, and
address growing social needs.


2. Gutierrez thanked the Ambassador for the Embassy's
continued support, her timely advice, and the frank and open
communications the two enjoyed. He knew the media had taken
liberties with Embassy statements, and above all wanted to
avoid public battles. Ecuador valued its friendship with the
United States, the president asserted; he hoped it would grow
stronger during the remainder of his tenure. In New York,
Gutierrez intended to justify his administration's
court-cleaning, calling it constitutional and imperative to
ensure judicial security. He would also promote an Ecuador
"open for business."


3. COMMENT: Not one hour after the call ended, media
contacted us to confirm the conversation, the Presidency
having leaked the news. Gutierrez clearly continues to
consider Embassy support vital for the survival of his
administration, a belief we hope to employ to further U.S.
interests. END COMMENT.
KENNEY