CHAVEZ USES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY FOR EMBASSY

C O N F I D E N T I A L CARACAS 000656 SIPDIS SIPDIS HQSOUTHCOM ALSO FOR POLAD DEPT PASS TO AID/OTI RPORTER FRC FT LAUDERDALE FOR CLAMBERT COPENHAGEN FOR DLAWTON E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/08/2016 TAGS: PGOV PREL ASEC VE SUBJECT: CHAVEZ USES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY FOR EMBASSY PROTEST Classified By: Political Counselor Robert Downes for reasons 1.4 (d) -------------- SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. (C) An estimated 2,500 protesters, supported by prominent Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV) officials, staged a demonstration at the Embassy on March 8 to protest the U.S. government's policies in Iraq. The group's leadership, National Assembly deputies Celia Flores and Desiree Santos, presented a two-page document rejecting the war to Emboffs, but did not deliver the one million signatures that Chavez had promised. Venezuelan authorities provided sufficient security for policing the largely peaceful crowd, though at one point the Metropolitan police withdrew, allowing some protesters to spray-paint slogans on walls and barriers at the rear exit of the Embassy. While relatively small in size, the demonstration was well organized with speeches and satires on a portable stage across from the Embassy,s parking entrance. End Summary. -------------- BRING ON THE RED TEES -------------- ¶2. (C) During the January 2006 World Social Forum in Caracas, President Chavez promised U.S. anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan he would assure the collection of one million signatures in protest of Operation Iraqi Freedom and have them presented to the Embassy via a march on the International Day of the Woman on March 8. The demonstration began at several sites some distance from the Embassy, and included a trek up the steep, and winding hill to the Embassy. Although local police authorities estimated march participants had approached as many as 15,000, Post estimated the crowd that reached the Embassy was roughly 2,500 strong. This was the largest demonstration at the Embassy in recent years, though paled in comparison to the mega-marches normally staged by the government and that the opposition mounted in 2002 and 2003. ¶3. (SBU) While more than half the participants appeared to be women, there were also large numbers of men and some school-aged children. Some of the participants were bused from areas as far the eastern Venezuelan state of Monagas. Many participants carried signs condemning the U.S. government's presence in Iraq and chanted anti-war and anti-Bush slogans. Most participants wore the traditional red shirts associated with the Revolution, many boasting of Chavez, 10 million vote victory objective for the upcoming presidential elections. Signs for Missions Sucre, Robinson and Barrio Adentro (Venezuelan populist social programs) were also common among the crowd. Chavez' mother also appeared briefly and made comments to the press. ¶4. (C) After making extensive anti-U.S. speeches on the street outside the Embassy, Chavista National Assembly deputies Celia Flores and Desiree Santos, along with several unidentified demonstrators, presented a two-page document signed by National Assembly leaders to PAO and Poloff. The promised one million signatures, however, were not delivered (Note: Even before the march the government was backing off the goal with National Assembly members stating the Embassy would "misuse signatures".) In receiving the demonstrators, document, PAO commented that Iraq's Minister of the State of Women Affairs had thanked the US government for liberating the Iraqi people during a DVC broadcast on the morning of March 8. -------------- Incidents -------------- ¶5. (C) The Venezuelan authorities provided coordinated support with more than 100 security personnel from the Baruta local police, greater Caracas metropolitan police, and the National Guard, including a surprising and unusual number of female officers. Although labeled a "March for Peace" -- and it was generally orderly -- there were some problems. Several demonstrators verbally harassed Emboffs waiting to receive the petition. At least one orange and one water bottle was thrown in the direction of Emboffs and security forces. Some of the male demonstrators were clearly inebriated and a brief scuffle broke out among some demonstrators (but did not involve Embassy or security forces). At one point, the Metropolitan police withdrew, allowing two groups calling themselves the Bolivarian Anti-Imperialist Movement and the "Zero Militia" to spray-paint the Embassy's back wall and roadside security barriers with messages such as " Bush Out!", "No to War In Iraq" and "Bush is an Assassin". This took place away from the main area of the demonstration. The local police and National Guard remained in place until protesters had dispersed. -------------- Carnival Atmosphere -------------- ¶6. (C) In advance of the larger crowd, two demonstrators, painted red from head to toe, adorned with devil horns and carrying pitchforks, strategically posed for the camera while the crowd chanted that the two had come for the Ambassador. On a portable stage opposite the parking lot some demonstrators staged a satire of U.S. policy in Iraq, including a Secretary Rice impersonator. These events, along with the balloons, banners and good weather during most of the march gave most of the day,s events a festive atmosphere. There was, however, some agitation among the demonstrators once the crowd moved into the relatively narrow confines of the steep road outside the Embassy, and the vitriolic anti-U.S. speeches kicked in. The demonstration was fueled by participation from other Bolivarian celebrities such as Eva Golinger, Libertador Mayor Freddy Bernal, and National Assembly Deputy Dario Vivas. An early afternoon rain brought a timely end to the demonstration. -------------- COMMENT -------------- ¶7. (C) President Chavez has announced he is running against the United States and not his domestic opposition in the December 3 presidential election. Given his focus on the United States, it is probable that there will be additional demonstrations in the coming weeks. The fact that the Embassy is located in a suburban area and only reachable by narrow, steep roads means that it is difficult to mount a demonstration here. But the Chavistas are learning and refining their demonstration techniques. National Assembly Deputy Dario Vivas was observed outside the Embassy examining the protest area both several days before and during the demonstration. Vivas, in fact, was also present during the February 23 taxi driver demonstration, suggesting it may have been a rehearsal for the March 8 demonstration. The Embassy, while fully prepared for the March 8 event, is reviewing its policies and protocols to ensure we haven,t missed any weaknesses. BROWNFIELD