CODEL NELSON MEETS WITH FOREIGN MINISTER SANTOS

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 MANAGUA 000541

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

WHA/CEN, H FOR MARK SMITH

E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/28/2017
TAGS: PGOV PINR KDEM NU PREL
SUBJECT: CODEL NELSON MEETS WITH FOREIGN MINISTER SANTOS

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


1. (C) Summary: In Senator Nelson's meeting with Nicaraguan
Foreign Minister Samuel Santos, he impressed upon Santos his
desire to establish sincere and positive relations with the
new Ortega government and the Nicaraguan people. The Senator
commented that Venezuelan President Chavez' lack of sincerity
is troublesome as was the Iranian President's exploitation of
his visit to Nicaragua to lash out against the United States.
Santos was favorable towards CAFTA, noting the 30% increase
in Nicaraguan exports to the United States since CAFTA
implementation, although he noted that the "asymmetries"
between the two countries makes it difficult for Nicaragua to
compete against the more sophisticated U.S. economy. He also
opined that as Nicaragua's economy improves, fewer
Nicaraguans will attempt to immigrate illegally to the United
States and other countries. End Summary.


2. (U) Foreign Minister Santos and his wife Annelli
graciously hosted CODEL Nelson for afternoon coffee at their
residence and coffee plantation on February 18. Senator
Nelson impressed upon the foreign minister his desire to
establish sincere and positive relations with the new Ortega
government and the Nicaraguan people. Mentioning that he had
met earlier in the day with Costa Rican astronaut/scientist
Franklin Chang Diaz, the Senator cited this kind of bilateral
cooperation as an example of the positive relations that the
United States and a partner country have fostered. He
explained Chang's involvement in the development of a new
plasma rocket, a scientific advancement that will cut travel
to Mars to a mere 29 days. His first time in Nicaragua,
Senator Nelson recounted that during his six-day orbit around
the Earth aboard the Columbia spaceship, he had observed the
eruption of Nicaragua's Cerro Negro volcano, which had peaked
his curiosity and his hopes to visit the country some day.


3. (C) Senator Nelson, who remarked that he has publicly and
privately lauded Secretary Rice for her interest in improving
U.S. relations with Latin America, explained that his tour of
the region is intended to bolster our engagement with the
region, including with leaders who do not see eye to eye with
U.S. foreign policy. He related how in his two-hour meeting
with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez a few years ago, a very
charismatic Chavez had been friendly, but not completely
forthcoming. For example, in the meeting Chavez insisted
that Venezuelan was not harboring FARC leaders. Nonetheless,
two days later, a FARC leader had been found in Caracas,
reportedly with the knowledge of the Venezuelan government.
Chavez' lack of sincerity was problematic. The recent visit
of Iranian President Ahmadinejad to Nicaragua was also of
concern, specifically Ahmadinejad's exploitation of Nicaragua
to lash out against the United States.


4. (C) Wincing, Santos appeared to absorb the Senator's
messages and reassured the Senator that Ortega seeks
positive relations with the U.S. government. He added that
his government's engagement with the U.S. Embassy, State
Department officials like Assistant Secretary Shannon, and
with the NSC has been very cordial and productive thus far.
The Foreign Minister listed education, including eradicating
illiteracy, health, and infrastructure as especially
challenging areas where Nicaragua desires partnership with
other countries, including the United States and the EU --
estimating that 70%-80% of Nicaraguans are functionally
illiterate.


5. (C) Santos, who admitted that he is ashamed that
Nicaragua relies so heavily on foreign assistance, asserted
that Nicaragua must eventually wean itself off its dependency
on foreign aid. However, as long as the "asymmetries"
between Nicaragua and the United States continue, Nicaragua
will rely on assistance, and Nicaraguans will continue to
seek better futures in the United States. Walls will not
stem the flow of immigrants; reducing disparities will,
argued Santos.


6. (C) Responding to the Senator's query on the effect of
CAFTA on Nicaragua thus far, Santos said that overall CAFTA
has benefited his country, including a 30% increase in
Nicaraguan exports to the United States since CAFTA's
implementation in April 2006. The biggest challenge,
however, lies with reducing the asymmetries between the two
countries, specifically helping Nicaragua compete against a
highly developed trade partner. (Comment: The asymmetry
argument is one of President Ortega's favorites and may be
influenced by President Chavez, who for years has used this
concept to criticize the United States and justify his
opposition to the constraints of the IMF and other
international financial institutions.)


7. (SBU) Santos acknowledged that in addition to foreign
assistance, the Ortega government will require the support of
all Nicaraguans and all political parties to succeed in its
struggle against poverty. He likened Nicaragua to an ox cart
that is presently being stressed by four teams of oxen, each
pulling in a different direction. Nicaragua urgently needs a
common purpose and support by all Nicaraguans to achieve this
purpose, ventured Santos.


8. (U) Participants:

Nicaragua:
Samuel Santos
Mrs. Annelli Santos
Jose Alfredo Acevedo, Protocol Chief

U.S.:
Senator Nelson
Mrs. Grace Nelson
Ambassador Paul Trivelli
DCM Peter Brennan
Ms. Carolina Tess
Ms. Sherry Davich
Captain Gene Moran
Polcouns/notetaker Victoria Alvarado
Control Officer Irene Marr


9. (U) This cable was cleared by Codel Nelson.
TRIVELLI