TFH01: FRUSTRATED PRO-ZELAYA RESISTANCE OPPOSES

C O N F I D E N T I A L TEGUCIGALPA 001087 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/23/2019 TAGS: PGOV PREL KDEM HO SUBJECT: TFH01: FRUSTRATED PRO-ZELAYA RESISTANCE OPPOSES ELECTIONS Classified By: Ambassador Hugo Llorens for reasons 1.4 (b/d) ¶1. (C) Summary. Pro-Zelaya resistance movement leaders told the Ambassador on October 23 that, although the Guaymuras negotiations seem to have run their course, they remain open to proposals to resolve the country's crisis. They said resistance movement members are frustrated and some want to resort to violence, but denied reports that the movement is arming itself. They said they will not recognize the results of the November 29 general election without an agreement beforehand. The Ambassador urged them to keep the demonstrations they organize peaceful. End Summary. ¶2. (C) The Ambassador met on October 23 with pro-Zelaya resistance movement leaders Rafael Alegria, Daniel Duron, Rodil Rivera (who replaced Juan Barahona on the commission negotiating the Guaymuras Accord),Israel Salinas, and Tagoberto Suazo, at their request. Rivera said he believes the negotiations have run their course. Rivera told the Ambassador that Armando Aguilar, a member of the commission representing the de facto regime at the Guaymuras negotiations, told him privately that the regime under no circumstances would accept the restitution of President Jose Manuel "Mel" Zelaya. Rivera said the regime is convinced that the general election scheduled for November 29 will be held, even if it is beset by problems, and the government that is elected will in time be recognized by the international community. Rivera said the pro-Zelaya camp will remain open to proposals to resolve the crisis. The Ambassador agreed with Rivera that the de facto regime did not negotiate in good faith and was playing for time. Frustrated Resistance Could Turn Violent -------------- ¶3. (C) Salinas said the members of the resistance movement are frustrated and would resort to stronger means of protest if allowed to do so. Salinas expressed concern that resistance leaders could lose control over the movement's members. Suazo told the Ambassador that, contrary to reports that have been circulating, the resistance movement is not arming itself. Both Suazo and Alegria said they believe the regime is spreading these stories to justify further repression against the resistance movement. The Ambassador urged the resistance leaders to keep the demonstrations they organize peaceful. He said violence will not help their cause and will not help the country. Resistance Opposes Elections -------------- ¶4. (C) Duron told the Ambassador that conditions in the country do not allow for credible elections to be held and alleged that fraud will take place. Alegria said the pro-Zelaya resistance movement will not recognize anyone who is elected on November 29, unless President Zelaya is returned to office beforehand. Salinas expressed concern that the U.S. government allowed members of the Supeme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) to travel to the Unted States and to organize voting by Honduran ciizens in the U.S. The Ambassador said the U.S. s above all committed to democracy and this means allowing Honduran-Americans to exercise their right to vote if that is what they choose to do. The Ambassador admitted that the facto regime is using the U.S. commitment to democracy for its own purposes. LLORENS