AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE CRUZ: &BIGGEST CHALLENGE WILL

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 MANAGUA 000329 SIPDIS SIPDIS WHA/CEN E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/05/2017 TAGS: PGOV PINR KDEM NU PREL SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE CRUZ: &BIGGEST CHALLENGE WILL BE TO MANAGE TENSIONS AND CONTRADICTIONS8 REF: A. MANAGUA 00127 ¶B. 2006 MANAGUA 02691 Classified By: Ambassador Paul A. Trivelli. Reasons 1.4 (B,D). ¶1. (C) Summary: Ambassador and country team members recently presented an overview of USG programs and their parameters to Nicaraguan Ambassador-designate to the United States Arturo Cruz (Ref. A),similar to the December 2006 presentation to then President-elect Daniel Ortega's transition team (Ref. B). The Ambassador reiterated our commitment to working with a democratic Nicaraguan government (GON) that supports open markets and cooperates on security issues, noting that the protection of U.S. citizens and investments in Nicaragua is essential to ensuring bilateral cooperation. Cruz, who received pertinent written materials several days before the briefing, was particularly interested in the successes of CAFTA thus far, noting that President Ortega wants to be "convinced" of the trade agreement's benefits to the Nicaraguan people. He was attentive to the annual 527 Property Waiver process and Nicaragua's Millennium Challenge Account program (MCA-N) program -- specifically, its organizational composition and structure and compliance with the program's rigorous compliance indicators. End Summary. ¶2. (SBU) On January 29, Ambassador presented an overview of USG programs and their parameters and distributed written materials to Ambassador-designate Arturo Cruz and his future Press attache Fernando Coronel. In addition to the Ambassador, the Embassy team included the DCM, USAID director, acting consul general, FAS director, Millennium Challenge Account-Nicaragua (MCA) director, public affairs counselor, political counselor, economic counselor, property office director, milgroup attache, INL-Managua director, and Peace Corps country director. ¶3. (C) The Ambassador reiterated our commitment to remain in Nicaragua and continue our assistance programs as long as Nicaragua's government remains within a democratic framework, supports open markets and economic opportunity, and cooperates on common threats and other security issues of mutual concern. The Ambassador, who explained that he has conveyed the same message in his meetings with new ministers, commented that President Ortega's remarks during the January 26 Diplomatic Corps event could lead to unexpected consequences -- specifically, President Ortega's sharp criticism of the IMF and his stated desire to remove Nicaragua from IMF programs as soon as possible. While Central Bank President Antenor Rosales had subsequently assured the Ambassador that GON intends to negotiate a new IMF agreement, the mixed messages are confusing and worrisome. Cruz noted the Ambassador's observation. ¶4. (C) Touching next on CAFTA, the Ambassador noted its remarkable success thus far, highlighting the fact that Nicaraguan exports to the United States have increased by 30% since CAFTA entered into force on April 1, 2006. Cruz requested additional details on the successes of the trade agreement thus far. He explained that President Ortega had asked him to "convince" him that CAFTA works and is a good thing for Nicaragua. The Ambassador offered to send additional information and invited Cruz to read his op-ed on the topic to be published the following morning in (left-leaning) daily El Nuevo Diario. ¶5. (C) Acting ConGen underscored the positive relations between his section and Lotty Bedana of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in handling deportation flights and other matters. He provided a handout on visa application procedures for GON officials and for facilitating VIP entry into the United States. In reference to the Eric Volz case (Reftels),ConGen noted that the case continues to draw substantial U.S. Congressional attention and that our duty is to make sure his rights are protected and he is given a fair trial. Cruz assured us that President Ortega is very attentive to the matter and has asked him to monitor and assist with the case. ¶6. (SBU) PolCouns outlined the parameters of the annual human rights, religious freedom, and trafficking in persons (TIP) reports and their link to our foreign assistance programs. She explained that Nicaragua had been placed on the TIP watch list in 2004, but after the GON made considerable progress in addressing Nicaragua's trafficking problems, it was raised back to Category 2. Cruz requested a copy of the 2005 TIP report, which was subsequently e-mailed to him. ¶7. (SBU) Ambassador-designate Cruz paid particular attention to the annual 527 property waiver process and diligently noted the need for the GON to make reasonable progress in resolving outstanding property claims filed by U.S. citizens (1,130 registered properties involving 298 U.S. citizens). Assuring us he will make this issue a top priority, Cruz requested information on all Nicaraguan entities and contacts involved in resolving/compensating the claims. ¶8. (SBU) Cruz posed a number of questions regarding Nicaragua's Millennium Challenge Account program and was pleased that the MCA's principal goal is to reduce poverty through economic growth. The MCA-N country director explained that the $175-million, five-year program's integrated development approach involves national and local government, civil society, and the private sector. Continuation of the program depends on a country's ability to rule justly, invest in its people, and promote economic freedom - as measured by 18 indicators obtained from independent, internationally respected sources. ¶9. (U) Cruz inquired whether the GON's delay in entering into a new IMF agreement could affect Nicaragua's compliance. The country director replied that it could affect one of the indicators, but the MCA would thoroughly review the situation before taking any action. He explained that the MCA conducts an annual review of its programs and regularly informs Congress of the progress and concerns in each MCA program. ¶10. (SBU) The Ambassador-designate raised President Ortega's interest in expanding the MCA program. The country director replied that current legislation does not allow for concurrent compacts in a country, but deliberations are underway to reconsider this restriction. He encouraged Cruz to meet with MCA CEO Danilovich in Washington, adding that Cruz' predecessor had aggressively lobbied for Nicaragua's participation in the MCA program. ¶11. (C) MCC board staffing also peaked Cruz's curiosity, specifically, how the executive director is selected and the terms of his appointment. The country director clarified that the executive director's appointment is indefinite and that the MCA selected Juan Sebastian Chamorro for the position after a rigorous screening process based on his qualifications. (Comment: Cruz may have been under instructions to determine whether or not the GON is authorized to replace the executive director, likely to one who is politically affiliated with the new government.) ¶12. (U) Cruz was impressed by the range of USG exchange programs and offered to host Nicaraguan participants who visit Washington. Similarly, he invited Peace Corps volunteers to meet with him before they depart for Nicaragua. He was also impressed by our level of cooperation with the police and military in counter-narcotics and by the scope of our humanitarian assistance to Nicaragua's poor through the New Horizons and Medrete programs. Cruz urged us to increase the frequency of these types of programs. ¶13. (C) At the close of the meeting, Ambassador-designate Cruz commented that his biggest challenge will be to "manage tensions and contradictions." Referring to President Ortega's penchant for making polemic public statements, Cruz acknowledged that at times the "noise can be loud," but insisted that in comparison to the past, Ortega has "toned down" his public messages and is "very reasonable" in private. TRIVELLI