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