EL SALVADOR: REVIEW FOR SUSPENSION OF TITLE III OF

C O N F I D E N T I A L SAN SALVADOR 000446

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR WHA/CCA GZAMBRANO

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/21/2029
TAGS: ETRD ETTC PREL CU ES
SUBJECT: EL SALVADOR: REVIEW FOR SUSPENSION OF TITLE III OF
THE LIBERTAD ACT

REF: STATE 48487

Classified By: CHARGE D'AFFAIRES ROBERT BLAU, REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D)


1. (C) Post recommends suspension of Title III of the
Libertad Act for El Salvador. At this time, El Salvador does
not have diplomatic relations with Cuba and does not have
significant economic or political interests in Cuba.


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

-- In Post's assessment, the outgoing Saca Administration
worked to promote the advancement of democracy and human
rights in Cuba. For example, when Fidel Castro resigned as
Cuba's leader in February 2008, President Saca publicly
expressed hope for a real democratic transition in Cuba and
emphasized the importance of freedom of expression and
multiparty elections.

-- El Salvador has no diplomatic relations with Cuba and post
has no knowledge of diplomatic contacts between Cuba and El
Salvador during the last year. President-Elect Mauricio
Funes (of the left-wing FMLN),who assumes power June 1, has
stated that he will restore diplomatic relations between El
Salvador and Cuba.

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

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

-- There are no official exchange programs between El
Salvador and Cuba. The FMLN has sponsored solidarity
missions to Cuba where Salvadoran participants have received
medical care. Post is not aware of Cuban doctors working in
El Salvador.
BLAU