SOUTHCOM COMMANDER VISITS PARAGUAY

C O N F I D E N T I A L ASUNCION 000322

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

SOUTHCOM FOR POLAD; NSC FOR JOSE CARDENAS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/12/2027
TAGS: PREL MARR PTER MASS SNAR PA
SUBJECT: SOUTHCOM COMMANDER VISITS PARAGUAY


Classified By: DCM MICHAEL J. FITZPATRICK; Reasons 1.4(b),(d)


1. (SBU) SUMMARY: Southcom Commander Admiral Stavridis
visited Paraguay April 9 - 11, to meet and develop a
relationship with his Paraguayan counterparts. MOD Gonzalez
claimed he supported continued U.S.-Paraguayan military
exchanges but asserted opposition leaders' were responsible
for blocking U.S. military exercises. Armed Forces Commander
Soto conveyed his concern that the U.S. is "losing" the
region at the expense of growing Venezuelan influence but
maintained that Paraguay is a friend in the region.
Stavridis also met with the Paraguayan service commanders and
visited the special forces headquarters. END SUMMARY.

MOD SHARES CONCERNS ABOUT CONGRESS, EXERCISES


2. (C) In his meeting with Admiral Stavridis, Minister of
Defense Roberto Gonzalez stated that the Administration
wanted to continue military exercises but that opposition
resistance to those exercises complicated movement on the
issue. Gonzalez also noted that they support the
anti-terrorism efforts of the USG in the region but needed
assistance to continue the fight against terror and other
forms of international crime (particularly narcotics and arms
trafficking). (COMMENT: Gonzalez' attempt to blame the
opposition for problems in producing an agreement on U.S.
military exercises does not track with our observations.
President Duarte had his own reasons for objecting to an
agreement and never even submitted our draft agreement for
consideration. Post has consulted extensively with both
Colorado and opposition party contacts and believe the
majority remains predisposed to support our agreement. END
COMMENT.)


3. (C) Separately, Gonzalez thanked the USG for its equipment
support and requested additional support for the English
Language Program at the MOD, which started in 1962. Admiral
Stavridis said he would look into providing support for the
English Language program and offered assistance in helping
Paraguay develop a National Security Strategy as well as
looking for other ways to strengthen our military
relationship.

SOTO SAYS US MUST STAY ENGAGED


4. (C) Staviridis called on General Bernardino Soto
Estigarribia, Commander of the Armed Forces, to discuss
opportunities to strengthen the military-to-military
relationship and convey his support of Soto's plan to reform
and modernize the military. Soto opened the discussion by
expressing his concern that the USG was "losing the region"
at the expense of growing Venezuelan influence. He stated
that Paraguay remains the USG's only remaining friend and
supporter in the region. Soto stressed that the USG must
"stay engaged in the region and demonstrate leadership." He
believes that Paraguay is vulnerable to the same Chavez type
movements that have changed the governments in Ecuador,
Nicaragua, and Bolivia. Soto is particularly concerned about
former Bishop Fernando Lugo, who he sees as a threat to
domestic social stability.


5. (C) In clear reference to public reports that President
Duarte had been considering an "autogolpe," Soto opened by
stating that the military is not interested in being involved
in politics and pointedly stated that there must be a clear
distinction between the military and the political leadership
of the country. Soto is currently engaged in reorganizing
the military and will submit a proposal to the Congress soon.
He highlighted the budget for the military amounted to less
than one percent of the total government budget. He noted
the highest priority for the military were trucks to increase
the mobility of his forces and communications equipment.


6. (C) Admiral Stavridis expressed his desire to strengthen
the US-Paraguayan military partnership. The U.S. wants to
support the Paraguayan military but will look for the GOP to
establish its priorities first before exploring concrete ways
to address them. Stavridis also pledged support for the
military's English Language program (separate from the MOD
program).


7. (C) COMMENT: Paraguay's inability to provide adequate
resources to its military has severely hampered the
capabilities of the military to complete its mission. Soto
is the right man to reorganize the Paraguayn military and is
someone the USG, particularly Southcom, can count on in the
future. Small investments to help Paraguay obtain
transportation and communications equipment through various
forms of assistance could produce significant dividends in
terms of contributing to a more stable, democratic Paraguay.
We recognize some Paraguayan politicians oppose U.S. military
exercises but we can preserve and strengthen our military
relationship with Paraguay by continuing our equipment and
material support to the military (particularly in the areas
of counter-terrorism, peacekeeping operational support and
IMET). END COMMENT.


8. (U) (Admiral Stavridis' Party did not have an
opportunity to clear this report before departure.)
CASON