EL SALVADOR: SEEKING PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR DECEMBER

UNCLAS SAN SALVADOR 003517 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KDEM KPAO PGOV PREL ES SUBJECT: EL SALVADOR: SEEKING PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR DECEMBER 15 IRAQ ELECTIONS REF: A. STATE 220728 ¶B. STATE 225860 ¶C. STATE 223728 ¶1. (SBU) Poloff spoke with Multilateral Affairs Officer Felix Ulloa of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on December 13 regarding reftel a. Ulloa stated that, although the GOES continues to support the coalition in Iraq and supports the election process, the GOES is not planning on making any public statements regarding the election. On December 14, Polcouns approached President Saca insiders and asked them to encourage Saca to make a public, congratulatory statement to the Government of Iraq on the success of the elections. Polcouns later received confirmation that the message was delivered and that Saca was considering the request. To date, no such public message has been made. ¶2. (U) Based on the contents of reftel b, Poloff prepared a cover letter from the Ambassador to Foreign Minister Lainez, emphasizing the importance of the elections and thanking the Salvadorans for their continuing participation in the coalition. The cover letter and letter from Secretary Rice (ref. c) were delivered to the Government of El Salvador on December 19. Barclay