FSLN FOREIGN AFFAIRS CHIEF CLAIMS ORTEGA SEEKS

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANAGUA 000579 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR WHA/CEN, NEA/I E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/14/2016 TAGS: KDEM NU PGOV PINR PREL KCOR SUBJECT: FSLN FOREIGN AFFAIRS CHIEF CLAIMS ORTEGA SEEKS POSITIVE RELATIONS WITH THE UNITED STATES Classified By: Ambassador Paul A. Trivelli. Reasons 1.4 (B,D). ¶1. (C) Summary: Sandinista (FSLN) foreign affairs advisor Samuel Santos insists that Daniel Ortega seeks positive, constructive relations with the U.S. government. Santos decried to polcouns, poloff, and visiting INR analyst on March 13 the USG's "loss of interest" in its American neighbors, while lauding Secretary Rice for meeting with Evo Morales. A successful entrepreneur, Santos asserts that the FSLN supports CAFTA in principal, but insists laws are needed to help Nicaraguans better compete with the United States. He attempted to smooth over Ortega's blaming the U.S. for the world drug problem, asserting that all nations must partner to combat the drug scourge. Santos asserted that an Ortega government would engage the Iraqi government and support an international effort to help Iraq. He believes that an international body should monitor Iran's and any other nation's use of nuclear energy. Santos, who claims to have Ortega's ear, is distressed that U.S. influence in Nicaragua could work against his boss Ortega in November. End Summary. ¶2. (C) In his March 13 meeting with polcouns, poloff, and visiting INR analyst, FSLN foreign affairs advisor Samuel Santos insisted that Daniel Ortega seeks positive, constructive relations with the U.S. government. He claimed Ortega has toned down his anti-U.S. rhetoric, as evidenced by Ortega's removal two years ago of anti-Yankee lyrics in the Sandinista anthem. Santos decried what he termed "the USG's loss of interest" in its American neighbors. While the European nations have helped one another to develop, and Asia is taking a similar approach, the Americas and Africa are trailing far behind in economic and social development, bemoaned Santos. As the strongest political and economic power in the region, the United States must show maturity and leadership, argued Santos, who added that Secretary Rice's recent meeting with new Bolivian President Evo Morales is a magnificent step in the right direction. Similarly, waxed Santos, the USG should consider rapprochement with Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez. CAFTA OK in Principal - - - - - - - - - - - ¶3. (C) On the subject of CAFTA, Santos, a successful entrepreneur in Nicaragua's tourism sector, asserted that the FSLN supports CAFTA in principal, but the National Assembly should pass legislation to position Nicaraguans to better compete with the United States. The fact that the Sandinistas helped form the required Assembly quorum on March 9 until enough of their Liberal colleagues arrived, is evidence of the Sandinistas willingness to allow CAFTA to proceed, explained Santos. Open on Iraq Policy, Uninformed over Iran - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - ¶4. (C) Noting that most Iraqis -- who in just over one year have voted in two elections and a constitutional assembly -- are content that Saddam's oppressive era is over, polcouns queried Santos over what position the FSLN would take towards Iraq if Ortega won the November elections. He replied that the FSLN would be open to engaging the Iraqi government and would support a coordinated international effort to help Iraq resolve its internal crisis. While Santos pled ignorance on Iran, he asserted that an international body should monitor Iran's and any other nation's use of nuclear energy. We clarified that such an organization exists, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA),and the Iranian government has refused to cooperate with it. Wriggling out of the Blame Game - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ¶5. (C) To polcouns' query over Ortega's frequent blaming of the United States for the world drug problem, Santos squirmed and attempted to smooth over Ortega's accusations, asserting that all nations must partner to combat the drug scourge. He acknowledged that domestic drug consumption is on the rise, sharing his worries that his teenage daughter is exposed to drugs when she goes clubbing with friends. Further, in general terms, the FSLN condemns terrorist acts against innocent civilians, elaborated Santos. He alleged that the Sandinistas have never harbored terrorists -- with the exception of the Basques because an "ally nation" asked Ortega to allow a number of ETA militants to settle in Nicaragua. Most have married local women and left their extremism behind, asserted Santos. The Uncle Sam Fear Factor - - - - - - - - - - - - - ¶6. (C) At the close of the meeting, Santos voiced concern that senior USG officials will, once again, strike hard against Ortega as the November presidential and Assembly elections near. He sought our assurances that the U.S. will refrain from "unhelpful attacks" on Ortega and from meddling in Nicaragua's political deliberations. Polcouns clarified that the USG's primary interest is that Nicaragua hold free, fair, credible, and inclusive national elections in November, that all Nicaraguans who wish to vote may do so, and that they will know for whom and for what they are voting. While the U.S. does not "have a candidate" in Nicaragua's presidential race, we will support democratic principals and recognize those who truly represent them. She reiterated that the USG maintains its reservations over Ortega, given his track record and his continuing anti-U.S. rhetoric. Similarly, the USG has robustly criticized Liberal Constitutional Party (PLC) caudillo/convicted money launderer Arnoldo Aleman, who has pacted with Ortega to maintain political hegemony and in doing so, corrupted Nicaragua's judiciary and other government powers. Comment - - - - ¶7. (C) Information from reliable sources suggests that, contrary to Santos' rosy assertions, the Sandinistas maintain close ties with narco-dealers in the Atlantic Coast region and that a number of Sandinista candidates received narco-funds and logistical support for their campaigns. Santos, who claims to have Ortega's ear and explicit instructions to engage us, was visibly distressed that U.S. influence in Nicaragua could work against his boss Ortega in November. TRIVELLI