MESSAGE ON PALESTINIAN ASSISTANCE (EL SALVADOR)

UNCLAS SAN SALVADOR 000377 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KPAL PREL ES SUBJECT: MESSAGE ON PALESTINIAN ASSISTANCE (EL SALVADOR) REF: SECSTATE 21256 On February 13 Poloff spoke with Mario Rivera, Multilateral Affairs Director at the GOES Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding Palestinian assistance. Rivera confirmed that there is no Salvadoran diplomatic presence in the Palestinian territories, nor is there any Palestinian diplomatic presence in El Salvador. Rivera noted that the GOES is watching the situation closely and has also been contacted by the Russian Diplomatic Mission in Nicaragua on the subject. He provided a copy of the statement of the Russian Foreign Affairs ministry on the invitation of HAMAS to Moscow. Rivera stated that the election of a group which had not denounced violence, and failed to acknowledge the existence of a sovereign nation was worrisome. He stated that the Multilateral Affairs group would continue to actively monitor the situation, noting the GOES' concerns for the protection of human rights. Barclay