DEMARCHE: PNG OF EMBASSY OFFICER FRANCISCO

UNCLAS STATE 023685 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL BL SUBJECT: DEMARCHE: PNG OF EMBASSY OFFICER FRANCISCO MARTINEZ ¶1. (SBU) This is an action request. See paragraph 3. ¶2. (SBU) The Department is concerned about the Bolivian government's unjustified declaration of Embassy officer Francisco Martinez persona non grata and its implications for bilateral and regional relations. ¶3. (SBU) The Department directs the Charge to immediately seek a meeting with Foreign Minister Choquehuanca to protest this unwarranted action and deliver the message in paragraph 4 via diplomatic note. ¶4. Begin text: The Department of State refers to diplomatic note No. 043/2009 from the Bolivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to U.S. Embassy La Paz, dated March 9, 2009, in which the Bolivian government declared U.S. Embassy officer Francisco Martinez persona non grata, citing "numerous actions of interference by this U.S. employee in matters of internal Bolivian politics, evidenced by his participation in meetings and activities, articulation and coordination of inappropriate actions intended to alter the legally constituted order of the country, a situation that was fully corroborated by reports of relevant Bolivian entities." The Department of State categorically rejects these false accusations. Mr. Martinez has never met with any Bolivian prefect nor with Rodrigo Carrasco as alleged by the Bolivian government. The Department reaffirms that the United States is not involved in any conspiracy in Bolivia and has not engaged in any inappropriate actions. Even as the Department rejects as unjustified this expulsion, it underlines its disappointment that the Bolivian government did not avail itself of appropriate and existing diplomatic channels to express any concerns it might have. The Department recalls the Bolivian government's often-expressed desire to improve bilateral relations, and reaffirms its commitment to engage in a meaningful dialogue to establish a productive relationship based on mutual interests. For such a dialogue to take place, it is essential to maintain a fundamental level of respect and communication. Department of State End text. CLINTON