Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05SANSALVADOR2464
2005-09-06 21:05:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy San Salvador
Cable title:  

EL SALVADOR OFFERS SUPPORT IN HURRICANE KATRINA

Tags:  AEMR EAID ES PGOV PREL US HURRICANE KATRINA 
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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

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