PARAGUAY: DEMARCHE ON LONG-TERM COMMITMENT

C O N F I D E N T I A L ASUNCION 000808 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/06/2116 TAGS: PREL KPKO UNSC HA PA SUBJECT: PARAGUAY: DEMARCHE ON LONG-TERM COMMITMENT REQUIRED FOR HAITI REF: A. STATE 125442 ¶B. ASUNCION 757 Classified By: PolCouns James P. Merz. Reason 1.4(b),(d). ¶1. (C) On 8/7, PolCouns discussed reftel (a) points with Amb. Mario Sandoval, the MFA's Director General for Multilateral Affairs. Sandoval noted Paraguay has 3 peacekeepers in Haiti and stressed the GOP's support for the continuation of the Haiti mission. Sandoval was cynical about the inspiration for Brazil's recent offer to assist the GOP in standing up a platoon for deployment to MINUSTAH, suggesting Brazil sought to "buy off" Paraguay with assistance of this variety since it was just prepared to renegotiate its treaty with Paraguay, establishing terms of debt repayment and compensation in connection to the Itaipu Dam. He was cautiously optimistic Brazil would follow through with its offer before year's end. ¶2. (SBU) Per reftel (b),Brazil has reportedly offered Paraguay USD 1.7 million to support the participation of Paraguayan military forces in MINUSTAH. The funds are designated to be used to repair 40 armored vehicles, provide support equipment, uniforms and training for one Paraguayan Peacekeeping platoon, which would deploy with the Brazilian contingent. The Paraguayan contingent would consist of 25 enlisted personnel and 5 commissioned officers. (ref. B) End Note. CASON