PORTUGAL LIKELY TO OPT FOR INDIRECT PRESSURE ON

C O N F I D E N T I A L LISBON 001782

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/23/2018
TAGS: PTER SNAR PGOV PREL CO PO
SUBJECT: PORTUGAL LIKELY TO OPT FOR INDIRECT PRESSURE ON
THE FARC

REF: SECSTATE 77205

Classified By: Dana M. Brown, Pol-Econ Officer, Embassy Lisbon
Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) Portugal agrees that Colombian insurgent groups, which
continue to hold more than 700 captives hostage, are using a
cruel and inhumane tactic and should be urged to stop
immediately. MFA Director for South American Affairs Joao
Baptista told us that Portugal fully agrees with our
criticism of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia
(FARC),National Liberation Army (ELN),and other hostage
takers, but said the European Union presidency would
ultimately be in charge of deciding whether to issue a
statement on behalf of EU member states. He speculated that
France would be willing to do so, given its long-standing
interest in Ingrid Betancourt's plight.


2. (C) While discussing bilateral efforts to pressure the
FARC, Baptista lamented indications that the Swiss and French
might have attempted to bribe the FARC for the prisoner
release. He stressed that Portugal would not support any EU
effort to circumvent Colombian government authority. When
asked whether Portugal would weigh in with President Chavez
to encourage constructive comments that pressure the FARC,
Baptista replied that Portuguese PM Socrates could raise the
issue during Chavez's visit to Portugal on July 23 and 24. On
the issue of foreign support for the FARC, Baptista confirmed
that the Portuguese government does not offer material or
political support to the FARC (or any other terrorist group).
He did acknowledge, however, that the national Communist
Party had invited the FARC to attend its annual conference in
Lisbon and would probably host a FARC member as it did last
year. He said the authorities would be able to keep out any
known FARC leader listed on the Shengen area watchlist, but
could do little to prevent FARC rank and file travel in
Europe.


3. (C) Comment: Although Portugal does not have leverage to
pressure the FARC, the GOP's ability to quietly encourage
Chavez in the right direction should help bolster pressure
indirectly. The GOP has told us repeatedly that it views
such behind-the-scenes talks with Chavez as the best way to
engage and nudge the GOV closer to U.S. and EU policies.
Moreover, given that the GOP's message would encourage Chavez
to maintain course, the it is very likely to mention the FARC
during his visit. End comment.
Stephenson