DEMARCHE ON DEMOCRACY IN VENEZUELA DELIVERED TO EL

C O N F I D E N T I A L SAN SALVADOR 002301 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/09/2017 TAGS: PGOV PREL VE EU WHA PHUM ES SUBJECT: DEMARCHE ON DEMOCRACY IN VENEZUELA DELIVERED TO EL SALVADOR; CONTINUED SUPPORT PROMISED REF: STATE 154674 Classified By: The Ambassador for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Summary: MFA Director General for Political Affairs Guillermo Melendez told us November 15 that the GOES shared our concerns about anti-democratic reforms in Venezuela and would continue to raise the issue publicly. End Summary. ¶2. (C) On November 13, PolCouns delivered reftel demarche to MFA DG for Political Affairs, Guillermo Melendez. Melendez noted that on numerous occasions, President Saca has publicly stated his concerns about anti-democratic changes occurring in Venezuela. He assured us the GOES will continue to voice its opposition in the future as appropriate opportunities present themselves. ¶3. (C) Melendez stated that forming a united opposition among Latin American nations at this time will be difficult. Caribbean nations who depend upon Venezuelan oil supplies will be unlikey to oppose the Venezuelan leader publicly. Certain South American nations (he mentioned Bolivia, Brazil, and Ecuador) that sympathize with Hugo Chavez will probably not speak out on this topic. Melendez said the promise of an oil refinery for Nicaragua would probably ensure silence from Managua. ¶4. (C) Comment: The GOES is increasingly focused on national elections in 2009, and potential meddling by Chavez is a concern. The GOES is therefore predisposed to continue expressing publicly its concerns over developments in Venezuela. Glazer