EL SALVADOR: THE CASE FOR MAJOR NON-NATO ALLY

C O N F I D E N T I A L SAN SALVADOR 002229 SIPDIS NOFORN SIPDIS FROM THE AMBASSADOR NSC FOR DAN FRIED WHA FOR A/S SHANNON PM FOR A A/S MULL WHA/CEN FOR JFEELEY, HTHOMPSON E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/05/2017 TAGS: ES MARR MOPS PREL SUBJECT: EL SALVADOR: THE CASE FOR MAJOR NON-NATO ALLY STATUS Classified By: Ambassador Charles L. Glazer for reason 1.4(d) ¶1. (C/NF) Introduction: The government of El Salvador (GOES) has evolved into a major U.S. partner in Latin America and beyond. U.S.-Salvadoran cooperation extends across a broad spectrum, encompassing defense, counter-terrorism, and law enforcement, as well as regional, multilateral, and trade diplomacy. Major Non-NATO Ally Status (MNNA) for El Salvador would formalize the strong working relationship we enjoy with the GOES, and, more importantly, establish a rock-solid foundation for future cooperation. Given the importance President Saca attaches to MNNA status for El Salvador, he is likely to raise the issue during his November 29 Oval Office meeting with President Bush. -------------- The Defense Argument for MNNA -------------- ¶2. (C/NF) Since the signing of the 1992 Peace Accords, the Armed Forces of El Salvador (ESAF) have evolved into one of the most professional, capable military organizations in the Western Hemisphere. Complying with the mandates of the Peace Accords, the ESAF have stayed out of politics, and instead focused on professionalization and the development of useful capabilities, such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. ¶3. (C/NF) The U.S. military enjoys a close, cooperative relationship with the ESAF, with both parties working in synch to improve capabilities, enhance interoperability, and ensure strong institutional linkages. The Salvadorans have consistently made excellent use of USG-supplied equipment and logistical support (FMF/FMS),as well as International Military Education and Training (IMET) and institutional exchange programs. ¶4. (C/NF) Our close relationship with the ESAF paid enormous dividends with the onset of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Since 2003, the ESAF has deployed nine rotations of troops (on average 380 personnel per rotation) to Iraq in support of OIF. During these deployments, the ESAF have proven themselves to be stalwart allies who put their military expertise at the service of coalition forces. The Salvadorans have sustained five deaths in Iraq, as well as numerous serious injuries to other ESAF members. Throughout their involvement in OIF, the Salvadorans have consistently impressed coalition and Iraqi partners alike with their professionalism and dedication to duty. ¶5. (C/NF) Conferring MNNA status would institutionalize the current ad hoc U.S. relationship with the ESAF and the Salvadoran defense establishment. The current Minister of Defense, as well as the service chiefs, have consistently expressed their frustration with the necessity to re-establish the bona fides of the ESAF with each subsequent U.S. administration, as well as in the wake of U.S. ministerial-level changes (DOD, DOS). From their perspective, MNNA status would recognize the importance the USG places on military-to-military relations with the ESAF, as well as set the stage for lasting cooperation by institutionalizing the U.S.-GOES defense relationship. ¶6. (C/NF) Bestowal of MNNA could result in an enhancement of ESAF operational capabilities that would in turn benefit U.S. security interests. MNNA status could expedite provision of assets such as high-speed patrol boats, for example, that would enable the ESAF to even more actively support U.S. efforts to interdict maritime narcotics trafficking along El Salvador's Pacific coastline. Other enhanced ESAF operational enhancements stimulated by MNNA status could yield similar mutual benefits. -------------- Counter-terrorism and Law Enforcement -------------- ¶7. (C/NF) In addition to excellent military and defense cooperation, the GOES has emerged as a major regional partner on law enforcement and counter-terrorism (CT) issues. El Salvador is host to Central America's only Cooperative Security Location (CSL). Based at Comalapa International Airport, the CSL is a key regional hub for U.S. counter-narcotics activities, as well as an essential component of JIATF-South's operational network and SOUTHCOM's overall regional force posture. In close cooperation with the ESAF and Salvadoran civilian police authorities, U.S. forces operating out of Comalapa have facilitated numerous multi-ton seizures of illicit maritime narcotics shipments, and disrupted innumerable air and maritime smuggling attempts. With the possible closure of the Manta (Ecuador) CSL in play, the U.S. presence at CSL Comalapa would likely take on added operational importance. MNNA status would provide further impetus to extending the Comalapa CSL presence into the foreseeable future. ¶8. (C/NF) El Salvador has also consistently supported U.S. regional CT efforts. The ESAF Counter Terrorism Unit, which receives DOD training and equipment, enjoys a close cooperative relationship with U.S. counterparts. In terms of law enforcement equities, the Salvadoran National Civilian Police (PNC) have proven themselves to be excellent partners, providing assistance, liaison, and information on the CT front, while the Attorney General's Financial Investigation Unit (FIU) has been solid on money laundering and terrorist financing. -------------- The Diplomatic Argument for MNNA -------------- ¶9. (C/NF) Simply put, El Salvador is arguably our closest friend in the Western Hemisphere. The U.S. and El Salvador enjoy an excellent bilateral relationship, primarily based on the fact that we are of the same mind on the important role that market economies, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law play in the maintenance of prosperity and security in the Americas. Even in areas of bilateral friction, such as illegal immigration and U.S. deportation of criminal aliens, the depth of shared friendship, mutual goals, and the maturity which characterizes the bilateral relationship enables the USG and the GOES to overcome significant hurdles. At a juncture in which regional actors are increasingly challenging U.S. interests across the hemisphere, demonstrating that maintaining a close friendship with the U.S. yields tangible benefits is an advisable course of action. ¶10. (C/NF) El Salvador's regional and multilateral posture is closely aligned with U.S. interests. El Salvador is consistently supportive of U.S. initiatives at the OAS, with Salvadoran diplomats working closely with U.S. counterparts on issues of mutual importance. President Tony Saca is a staunch opponent of Castro's Cuba, as well as a cautionary voice against the dangers that Hugo Chavez' "Bolivarian revolution" presents to the political, economic, and social fabric of Central America. El Salvador's multilateral diplomacy at the UN is equally supportive of a broad range of U.S. interests, with Salvadoran diplomats not infrequently willing to co-sponsor and/or lobby on behalf of U.S. proposals. ¶11. (C/NF) On numerous occasions, President Saca has told me that he wants a visible demonstration of U.S. appreciation for the sacrifices El Salvador is making in order to support the U.S. in OIF. MNNA status is exactly the demonstration of appreciation he is looking for. Moreover, given the importance President Saca attaches to MNNA status, I expect him to raise the issue with President Bush during their upcoming November 29 meeting at the Oval Office. -------------- In Life, Timing is Everything -------------- ¶12. (C) El Salvador will hold municipal and legislative elections in January 2009 and presidential elections two months later. Awarding MNNA status to El Salvador prior to these elections could provide an important push to political actors inclined to maintain strong security and defense cooperation with the United States, and, if appropriately timed, would help maximize President Saca's remaining tenure in office. -------------- Evidence Argues for MNNA Status -------------- ¶13. (C) I believe the factors discussed above - military, law enforcement, CT, and diplomatic cooperation - make a compelling case for conferring MNNA status on El Salvador. The GOES is already a major partner in defense, counter-terrorism, law enforcement, and diplomacy, and has demonstrated a shared commitment to free markets, democracy, the rule of law, and regional stability. MNNA status would institutionalize U.S. friendship with a fellow democracy, yield substantial concrete benefits in terms of military and defense issues, and establish a solid foundation for additional future cooperation. ¶14. (C) Above and beyond policy, the fundamental reality is that the Salvadorans have demonstrated their genuine friendship with the U.S. in the most concrete manner possible. They have sent their soldiers to war alongside the men and women of the U.S. military, and stood by their commitment to the U.S. at the cost of making the ultimate sacrifice. Glazer