EL SALVADOR OFFERS SUPPORT IN HURRICANE KATRINA

UNCLAS SAN SALVADOR 002464 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AEMR EAID ES PGOV PREL US HURRICANE KATRINA SUBJECT: EL SALVADOR OFFERS SUPPORT IN HURRICANE KATRINA RELIEF EFFORT REF: A. STATE 162270 ¶B. STATE 163366 ¶1. During the Ambassador's and DCM's August 31 meeting with Foreign Minister Lainez, President Saca phoned to express his sympathy and solidarity, and to offer whatever assistance possible to the USG and/or affected states. Saca indicated that he would send letters the following day to President Bush and three governors, reiterating these themes. According to FM Lainez, President Saca met with Defense Minister Romero the morning of September 1, after which the the Minister of Defense called the Ambassador to communicate the offer of Salvadoran military assistance. ¶2. El Salvador's Legislative Assembly voted the evening of August 31 to authorize the dispatch of Salvadoran troops to assist in rescue and humanitarian relief efforts in the affected areas. The 70 votes in favor (out of a total of 84 Legislative Assembly seats) crossed party lines to include the full political spectrum--even the hardliner opposition Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN). ¶3. MilGroup met with CHOD, Gen. Caceres, who specifically offered a task force comprising 100-150 troops in medical, engineering, and military police specialties. ¶4. Per reftel A, Ambassador phoned Foreign Minister Lainez September 2 to indicate that, "in principle", we accepted their gracious offer of assistance, and that we would respond soon with further details if their aid is needed, and if so, what kinds of assistance might be most helpful. ¶5. In accordance with reftel B, the Embassy on September 4 provided to GOES a list of priority items needed. Foreign Minister Lainez assured Charge during a September 4 conversation that he would inform President Saca and cabinet colleagues of the items on the list, and that the GOES would respond. Butler