NEW HORIZONS A SUCCESS

UNCLAS LIMA 004246 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PINR PHUM VE PE SUBJECT: NEW HORIZONS A SUCCESS -------------- Summary: -------------- ¶1. Ambassador Struble traveled on 9/15 with government Ministers, Congresspersons and local leaders to close the bilateral New Horizons Humanitarian Exercises in Lambayeque Province. The group visited a medical readiness site, a school, and a well drilling project, all built compliments of New Horizons. National and local officials were pleased with the projects and the visit generated favorable publicity. Peru's MOD expressed an interest in having the Peruvian military acquire similar social work capabilities. End Summary. ¶2. Ambassador Struble traveled to Chiclayo in Lambayeque Province with the Minister of Defense (MOD) Alan Tizon Wagner, Chief of the Joint Command General Jose Williams Zapata, Minister of Health (MOH) Carlos Vallejo. Commanding General of the Peruvian Army Cesar Reinoso joined the Ambassador in Lambayeque. The group visited selected New Horizons sites, generating favorable press and underscoring the value of U.S. assistance. ¶3. After the closing ceremony in Chiclayo, the AMB and his invitees departed by Blackhawk helicopter to visit select project sites, where local mayors greeted them. The sites visited were: --A U.S. Navy-run Medical Readiness Exercise (MEDRETE) in Morrope, which was treating approximately 1,500 poverty-stricken civilians per day for a variety of illnesses. AMB did an on-site interview via cell phone with Peru Radio Programs (RPP) anchorman, Raul Vargas. --A two-room school built in Hornitos during the exercise. AMB and the MOD inaugurated the school. A substantial local crowd held up signs thanking the United States and the GOP and gave handmade gifts to the AMB and MOD. --A site containing one of three water wells provided by New Horizons. Again, a large crowd welcomed the USG and the GOP with signs thanking the United States for the Embassy's help in obtaining water for their village. While the drilling operation went on, a gusher of water spewed forth from the well. Locals cheered and clapped. ¶4. The group finished by attending a lunch in Chiclayo, which featured press interviews and an exchange of highly favorable comments about the value of the humanitarian assistance. -------------- Comment: -------------- ¶5. MOD reps were particularly impressed with the well-drilling site. One of President Garcia,s campaign promises was, "Water for all," and this activity addressed that issue. MOD Wagner told the Ambassador that he would like the Peruvian military to do more humanitarian assistance. ¶6. The visit was well-received, provided an effective demonstration of USG humanitarian assistance and underscored our close partnership with the Peruvian military and elected representatives from Lambayeque. POWERS