GUIDANCE RESPONSE: DEALING WITH THE MICHELETTI

C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 069221


E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/30/2019
TAGS: CVIS EAID ECON EFIN HO KDEM MARR PBTS PGOV PREL SNAR
SUBJECT: GUIDANCE RESPONSE: DEALING WITH THE MICHELETTI
REGIME IN HONDURAS

REF: A. TEGUCIGALPA 516 B. STATE (USOAS) 68872

Classified By: Craig A. Kelly, Reasons 1.4 (B&D)


1. (C) The General Assembly of the OAS adopted a resolution
condemning the detention and expulsion of President Zelaya.
The resolution also declared "that no government arising from
this unconstitutional interruption will be recognized," and
instructed Secretary General Insulza to initiate diplomatic
action aimed at restoring democracy and the rule of law as
well as the reinstatement of President Zelaya in Honduras
(ref B). On the margins of the OAS meeting, President Zelaya
privately asked Assistant Secretary Shannon to initiate
contact with the Honduran Armed Forces and the de facto
government to begin seeking a solution to the current crisis
that would restore democracy and constitutional order to the
Honduran people.


2. (C) The Ambassador is therefore instructed to engage
elements of the Honduran Armed Forces and de facto
administration, at a level and frequency of his discretion,
to explore options for President Zelaya,s peaceful
resumption of his office. You should suggest to the de facto
administration that it make progress towards the objectives
of the OAS resolution as a sole means of avoiding suspension.
You shall avoid giving the appearance that we are extending
official recognition to or acceptance of Micheletti and his
colleagues and their actions.


3. (C) At the same time, per ref A, you should continue
rejecting applications for A, G1, G2, and C3 visas for
members of the Micheletti cabinet and new appointees to the
Honduran Embassy and consulates in the United States. You
should review applications from lower level representatives
going to international organizations or conferences on a
case-by-case basis against a standard that denies acceptance
of the de facto administration but that does not
unnecessarily exclude Honduras from technical-level
participation in on-going projects and programs. A G3 visa
is an option for an individual going to a designated
international organization.


4. (C) The Department also recommends that you suspend
upcoming USG VIP visits unless they are directly related to
restoring democracy and constitutional order in Honduras, and
that you suspend Milgroup,s"
Serpent King" exercise.


5. (C) No decision has been made regarding whether section
7008 of the Department of State, Foreign Assistance, and
Related Programs Appropriations Act applies to restrict
assistance to the Government of Honduras. However, you
should take steps now to suspend, as a policy matter,
obligations and expenditures of assistance for the Government
that would be affected under Section 7008 and (emphasis
added)for which there is no applicable "notwithstanding
authority" that could be relied upon to overcome the
restriction. This includes FMF, IMET, 1206, PKO, and certain
programs funded from DA and ESF. Detailed guidance on
handling current assistance will be
sent by septel later. In the meantime, post should refer
questions about whether there is notwithstanding authority
for particular programs to USAID/GC (for USAID-funded
programs) and L/LFA (for State-funded programs).


6. We appreciate the calm, deliberate leadership Embassy
Tegucigalpa has demonstrated during this challenging time.
CLINTON