EL SALVADOR: REVIEW FOR SUSPENSION OF TITLE III OF THE

C O N F I D E N T I A L SAN SALVADOR 001079

SIPDIS
STATE FOR WHA/CCA JARAHN HILLSMAN

E.O. 12958: DECL: 2019/11/20
TAGS: ETRD ETTC PREL CU ES
SUBJECT: EL SALVADOR: REVIEW FOR SUSPENSION OF TITLE III OF THE
LIBERTAD ACT

REF: 09 STATE 115496

CLASSIFIED BY: Robert I. Blau, Charge d'Affaires; REASON: 1.4(B),(D)


1. (C) Post recommends suspension of Title III of the Libertad Act
for El Salvador. While the GOES has restored diplomatic relations
with Cuba and the FMLN has strong historic ties, at this time the
government does not have significant economic or political
interests in Cuba.




2. (C) Specific responses to reftel section 5 are provided below:



-- Historically, El Salvador had worked to promote the advancement
of democracy and human rights in Cuba. The new GOES restored
diplomatic relations with Cuba on June 1, 2009, and has not made
any statements about democracy and human rights in Cuba during its
six months in office.



-- Cuban Vice President Esteban Lazo attended the Inauguration of
President Funes on June 1, 2009.



-- Post is not aware of any significant Salvadoran investments in
Cuba. El Salvador-based Grupo TACA does operate flights to Cuba.



-- El Salvador has no bilateral trade agreements with Cuba.



-- The Ministry of Education has a Cuban advisor. Other exchanges
are reportedly taking place under the auspices of the FMLN, rather
than the government. The FMLN has sponsored solidarity missions to
Cuba where Salvadoran participants have received medical care.
Cuban doctors are participating in Hurricane Ida disaster relief
efforts.
BLAU