PRO-ZELAYA RESISTANCE MEETS G-16

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 001008 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL KDEM EAID HO SUBJECT: PRO-ZELAYA RESISTANCE MEETS G-16 ¶1. (SBU) Summary. A delegation of the pro-Zelaya Pacific Resistance told the G-16 on October 1 that they are opposed to violence and that any violence that has occurred during pro-Zelaya demonstrations was carried out by provocateurs. They described the de facto regime as being composed of members of the Honduran elite who have no interest in addressing the country's social woes. They accused the regime of using the upcoming general election as a means to hold on to power. End Summary. ¶2. (SBU) A delegation of the pro-Zelaya Pacific Resistance met with the G-16 on October 1. The delegation members described themselves as politicians and labor leaders. They said they are non-violent and asserted that the violence that has occurred during pro-Zelaya marches was carried out by de facto regime provocateurs. Why the Coup Took Place -------------- ¶3. (SBU) The delegation told the G-16 that the coup had its roots in President Zelaya's attempt to take over the importation of gasoline from the Texaco-Esso-Shell-Dipsa groups and his decision to have Honduras join the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA). They charged that those who support the de facto regime are the privileged members of society who have manipulated the regime in their favor. The delegation said these elites want to stay in power and have no intention of seeking a solution to the country's underlying social crisis, which led to the political crisis. They also charged that the Armed Forces were behind the coup d'etat and that the leaders of the Armed Forces would have to take over the country if a resolution to the crisis is not reached by October 15. Elections Not the Answer -------------- ¶4. (SBU) They noted that the supporters of the regime view the general election scheduled for November 29 as a tool to ensure that they retain their hold on power. According to the Pacific Resistance, elections are not the solution to Honduras' underlying serious social problems. They told the G-16 that they want a constituent assembly and want President Zelaya restored to office with full presidential powers. However, they noted that they have reluctantly accepted President Zelaya's acceptance of the San Jose Accord, which precludes him from organizing a referendum on holding a constituent assembly as well as such an assembly itself. The Future -------------- ¶5. (SBU) The delegation told the G-16 that the Pacific Resistance believes that the Honduran people are waking up and looking to the political left for a solution to their social problems. The delegation said the Pacific Resistance will evolve into a political party and lamented that they are not on the ballot for the election scheduled for November 29. They complained that the media, owned mostly by the privileged, is brainwashing the public and satanizing President Zelaya. In response to a question about whether they are obtaining weapons, they reiterated that they are pacifists and not clandestine. They said the Pacific Resistance is the only real opposition in the country and armed struggle would break up the Pacific Resistance. LLORENS