MEDIA REACTION ON CAFTA, MAY 16, 2005

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 001039

SIPDIS

DEPT. FOR WHA/PD; IIP/G/WHA DIPASQUALE; AND IIP/T/ES
DEPT. FOR EB/TPP DCLUNE, WHA/EPSC AND WHA/CEN
DEPT. PASS USTR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OIIP KPAO ETRD HO USTR
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION ON CAFTA, MAY 16, 2005



1. On 05/16 the Tegucigalpa-based liberal daily "La Tribuna"
published an op-ed by Gautama Fonseca entitled "Our
productive capacity and CAFTA." "A lot of people don't know
about the Central American Economic Integration because it
has been handled behind closed doors, the same reason why
only the Economic ministries of the governments of the
region and some private businesses have participated in it."

"It took place in Guatemala in the `60s while discussing the
treatment for some `sensitive' products."

"Guatemala refused to recognize the origin of Salvadoran
spark plugs. El Salvador did the same with Guatemalan
tires."

"As a consequence, both delegations discussed their
differences extensively and intensively until they resolved
to put it to an end. They became celebrities in the
Integration."

"Both countries described the reality of the majority of the
so-called Central American industries and the truth finally
surfaced after being hidden due to pressures from the
private sector."

"These men are so special that they are sure that with CAFTA
the democracy and liberty will be brought back to life in
Central America. But, as they should have known, neither of
them exists because there has been no interest in giving
them life."

Palmer