CHILEAN PRESIDENT BACHELET VISITS HONDURAS

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 000100 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL ETRD EFIN EAID KCRM KJUS PGOV HO SUBJECT: CHILEAN PRESIDENT BACHELET VISITS HONDURAS ¶1. (U) Amid substantial fanfare, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet made a mostly-commercial visit to Honduras designed to expand ties and cooperation between the two countries. She was accompanied by Chilean businesspeople, members of the Chilean Parliament, cultural figures, FM Alejandro Foxley, Minister of Culture Paulina Urrutia, Minister of Agriculture Marigen Hornkohl, and Minister of Labor Claudia Serrano. Her one day visit had many stops. She visited a private University and then, accompanied by the First Lady, went to a "soup kitchen" and met a group of poor women who had started their own successful micro enterprises. Later she addressed a group of Honduran and Chilean businesspeople, where she made many positive comments about free trade, but also commented that she was worried that countries would impose measures to protect their own products and markets in response to the global market downturn. Bachelet met with the Mayor of Tegucigalpa and received the keys to the city. She was also welcomed by President Manuel "Mel" Zelaya and offered a gala ceremony at the Presidential Palace, where Zelaya commented on Bachelet's history as an advocate for human rights. At the ceremony, she signed two agreements -- one between the two countries' state scientific councils and the other between their Ministries' of Foreign Affairs Diplomatic schools. Bachelet also offered increased cooperation to the GOH in matters related to security, scholarships and fighting drug trafficking. (Note: To date, over 50 Honduran police have been trained at the Chilean police academy, and Bachelet's statements might mean this number could increase dramatically over the next year. End Note.) ¶2. (U) During the press conference at the Presidential Palace, one journalist asked why Bachelet was not meeting with dissidents during her visit to Cuba, to where she was traveling after Honduras. Her evasive response revolved around protocol issues and sticking to the schedule that was designed for her. ¶3. (SBU) Comment: The visit received substantial press coverage. Discussions on increasing assistance for security and against drug trafficking appeared to be the most substantive issue. Bachelet,s broad message was positive. She discussed the importance of democracy and discussed the upcoming elections in both countries. On economic policy, she stressed that governments, business, organized labor and civil society must work together in a national effort to confront the international financial crisis. End Comment. LLORENS