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