TFH01: EMBASSY TEGUCIGALPA SUPPORTS BRAZILIAN

C O N F I D E N T I A L TEGUCIGALPA 001083 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/23/2019 TAGS: PGOV PREL KDEM HO SUBJECT: TFH01: EMBASSY TEGUCIGALPA SUPPORTS BRAZILIAN DIPLOMATS Classified By: Ambassador Hugo Llorens for reasons 1.4 (b & d) ¶1. (C) Summary: Brazilian Charge expressed gratitude for USG intervention to stop the loud music and animal sounds targeted at Brazil's Embassy in Tegucigalpa. Since ousted Honduran President Manuel "Mel" Zelaya took residence at their Embassy on September 21, Embassy Tegucigalpa has been providing the GOB with logistical and communications support. Security Minister Jorge Rodas confirmed the targeted noise nuisance but claimed that it was the work of local police and not official de-facto regime policy. After USG intervention, the noise and music stopped the night of October 22. End Summary. ¶2. (C) Brazilian Charge Francisco Catunda expressed GOB gratitude for the USG support to their Embassy in a conversation with the Ambassador on October 23. Since ousted Honduran President Manuel "Mel" Zelaya took residence at their Embassy on September 21, Embassy Tegucigalpa has been providing the GOB with logistical and communications support. Recent reports of torture at the Brazilian Embassy, which remains surrounded by armed troops, are over-stated but allegations that the de facto government has mistreated Brazilian diplomats, shone bright lights and blasted loud music and animal sounds throughout the night are true. ¶3. (C) From the moment of Zelaya's re-appearance, Embassy Tegucigalpa has been working hard to ensure that the Brazilian Embassy has food, water, electricity, and had its diplomatic rights respected by the Honduran de facto regime. Thanks to the Embassy's intervention, Colonel Pacheco of the Honduran Armed Forces (HOAF) has been made the key point of contact for any operations at the Brazilian Embassy which has eased facilitating humanitarian support. According to Catunda, the GOB recognized our efforts and appreciates that at times, we have had to suspend our no-contact policy with the de-facto regime and employed our own political capital to assist an ally and friend as well as fellow diplomats in Honduras. ¶4. (C) The Ambassador spoke with the de facto Minister of Security Jorge Rodas on October 22 to confirm the allegations of abuse inquire on the situation. Rodas confirmed the allegations and maintained that he was appalled at what had transpired but claimed that, despite his cabinet level appointment, he no longer had control over security. The Ambassador expressed our outrage at the de facto regime's actions. Acknowledging that security is now run out of the Presidential Palace, Rodas agreed to take the issue to de facto President Roberto Micheletti. Rodas called the Ambassador later that evening to relay Micheletti's message that what had transpired was not the policy of the de facto government but rather the work of a local police commander who had since been removed from the scene. Rodas ensured the Ambassador that there would be no more of these music or animal sounds directed at the Brazilian Embassy but the lights would remain on at night to help monitor security for those outside and inside the compound. ¶5. (C) Embassy Tegucigalpa has confirmed that there was no music or animal sounds directed at the Brazilian Embassy on the night of October 22. Catunda also expressed appreciation that all those in the Embassy were able to sleep soundly thanks to our intervention. Catunda mentioned that he has been humiliated on numerous occasions by the HOAF while leaving and re-entering the compound. He indicated that Brasilia has limited them from establish working relations with those surrounding their compound which has hampered their ability to operate. ¶6. (C) Comment: The Ambassador reiterated our commitment to President Zelaya and the Brazilian diplomatic mission but also suggested that Catunda approach Brasilia and ask to be allowed to establish working-level contacts with the de facto regime so as to not solely rely on the USG. As the USG has ratcheted up the diplomatic pressure on the regime USG influence has lessened and it would be benefit the GOB to assume some responsibility for dealing with these issues. End Comment. LLORENS