ARCHBISHOP BRENES SHARES VIEWS ON ELECTIONS,

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANAGUA 001534

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR A/S SHANNON, WHA/CEN, DRL JFARRAR AND NTONGOUR

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/12/2016
TAGS: PHUM PREL NU KCRM KDEM KWMN PGOV
SUBJECT: ARCHBISHOP BRENES SHARES VIEWS ON ELECTIONS,
DEMOCRACY

Classified By: Ambassador Paul A. Trivelli. Reasons 1.4 (B,D).


1. (C) SUMMARY: On June 26, Assistant Secretary Shannon
discussed with Archbishop Leopoldo Brenes Solorzano the
Archbishop's perspectives on democracy and governance in
Nicaragua and the upcoming November 5 elections. Brenes
hoped the elections would be fair, peaceful, and inclusive,
and voiced concern over the lack of citizen access to the
national ID (cedula) required to vote. A/S Shannon
reiterated that the USG does not endorse any particular
presidential candidate, but is helping Nicaraguans ensure
that their elections are fair and transparent. Shannon
suggested that the Catholic Church could play a valuable role
by promoting voter awareness and encouraging voters to
consider the "alternative" candidates. Brenes agreed many
Nicaraguans seek new political options rather than the stale
offers of Nicaragua's two traditional parties and shared his
plan to release an official Church statement in August,
urging Nicaraguans to vote, scrutinize each candidate's past,
and examine the party platforms. END SUMMARY.


2. (C) During A/S Shannon's meeting with Archbishop Brenes,
the Archbishop said he hoped Nicaragua's elections would be
fair, peaceful, and inclusive. Brenes, voiced concern over
the lack of citizen access to the national ID (cedula),which
is required to vote. Brenes said the cedula problem is
particularly acute in Matagalpa and Jinotega, where many
citizens do not have birth certificates, a prerequisite for
cedulas. He suggested that priests could use their rapport
with parishioners to help citizens obtain their cedulas.


3. (C) Brenes shared his impression that many Nicaraguans
seek political alternatives to the traditional Liberal
Constitutional Party (PLC) and Sandinista Liberation Front
(FSLN). He underscored the Catholic Church's interest in
fostering a more educated electorate to help voters make
better choices. Brenes shared his plan to release an
official Church "Carta Episcopal" in August -- urging
Nicaraguans to exercise their right to vote, scrutinize each
candidate's past, and examine party platforms.


4. (C) Shannon reiterated that the USG does not endorse any
presidential candidate, but is helping Nicaraguans ensure
that their elections are fair and transparent. To this end,
the U.S. is supporting and working with the OAS. Shannon
suggested that the Catholic Church could play a valuable role
by promoting voter awareness and encouraging voters to
consider alternative candidates running for office.


5. (SBU) Archbishop Brenes discussed at length the
importance of the radio -- which the Sandinistas have
effectively utilized -- as the key communications medium in
Nicaraguan society. He explained that Nicaraguans,
especially in rural areas, rely on the radio much more than
television or newspapers to obtain information -- as
evidenced by the presence of a radio in almost every
Nicaraguan home. He said the Catholic Church operates Radio
Catolica and Radio Maria to inform the public.


6. (SBU) With respect to his pastoral duties, Brenes said he
is rarely in his office, preferring to dedicate his time at
the local parishes where he enjoys direct contact with his
people. He said the Catholic Church works hard to achieve a
sense of trust and confidence between its priests and their
parishioners. Brenes contrasted his own modus operandi with
that of many National Assembly delegates who, after being
elected, go to Managua and lose contact with the problems of
poverty and other concerns of their departments. He hoped
that the next group of political leaders would maintain more
contact with their constituents and respond to people's needs
and concerns.


7. (C) Shannon said the United States strives to show its
commitment to democracy and human rights in Nicaragua through
mutual respect and diplomacy. When queried over the U.S.
image in Nicaragua, the Archbishop replied that the U.S. is
perceived as "a force commanding respect." USAID programs
have done much to build visible good will and created a
positive image toward the United States, opined Brenes.


8. (SBU) Following his meeting with Shannon, the Archbishop,
left for the nearby Santo Domingo Church to celebrate a feast
day mass in honor of Opus Dei founder Jose Maria Escriva.


9. (U) Participants:

Nicaragua:
Archbishop Leopoldo Jose Brenes Solorzano
Father Raul Zamora, Special Assistant

U.S.:
A/S Thomas A. Shannon
Ambassador Paul Trivelli
Senior Advisor Maria Tamburri
DCM Peter Brennan
Polcouns Victoria Alvarado
Greg Maggio (notetaker)


10. (U) Assistant Secretary Tom Shannon cleared on this
cable.
TRIVELLI