TFH01: LIBERAL PARTY CANDIDATE CALLS FOR END TO

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 001137 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV KDEM HO SUBJECT: TFH01: LIBERAL PARTY CANDIDATE CALLS FOR END TO CRISIS ¶1. (SBU) Summary. Liberal Party presidential candidate Elvin Santos issued an open letter to the Honduran people that appeared in the November 10 press. The letter calls for an end to the country's political crisis in order to pave the way for credible elections and a brighter future for Hondurans. The letter is certainly part of Santos' campaign strategy and intended to reap votes. But, his call for all actors to place the interests of their country before their own is a positive development at this time when the momentum towards a solution to the political crisis has stalled. End Summary. ¶2. (U) Embassy translation of Santos' letter follows: Begin Text. I have decided today to address all my Honduran brethren. I do so with concern and sorrow. And I wish to address especially those who have power or influence on the sad crisis which our country is suffering. I see how time passes and we have been unable to come to an agreement. The negotiations tables have multiplied, day after day we learn that at them discussions are insisted upon where individual positions are placed above generosity and the interests of Honduras. I am amazed that at none of those negotiations is present the real victim of this tragedy: our people. Despite the fact that all claim to represent it, the citizenry has been absent from these negotiations. Because if we asked for its opinion, this crisis would have ended quite some time ago. Hondurans no longer want crisis, uncertainty, anxiety. What they want is a fair and good country that will take charge of their most pressing needs, whose only goal is the well-being and progress of all families. In order and peace. That future is possible. Because I am convinced that Honduras has a future. That future needs to be decided by our citizens, all and each and every one, in elections that are free, secret, informed and orderly. And that decision should be made by Hondurans, all Hondurans, in the glorious day in which democracy becomes reality: elections. That is why I request, and also demand, all those seated at the tables - of negotiations, dialogue, reconciliation or verification - to see our people and heed their will. That they reach consensus as quickly as possible, having Honduras as their only focus. Because each day that passes, the harm we are doing to the democratic system grows. Because each day the indifference and lack of trust of the citizenry increases as it sees that those who claim to represent it are incapable of overcoming this situation. We have the great opportunity of permitting and facilitating the Honduran people to express their sovereign will through their vote. And for that to occur, it is necessary to end this crisis now. To dedicate ourselves to the only table that matters: that one around which a Honduran family will sit day after day, that table which today is empty and needs a plate of warm food for each person seated around it. They should elect their leaders with confidence so that they do their best to preserve peace, allow them to get ahead honestly, and build a better future for all children of this great country blessed by God. Elvin Santos Ordonez Presidential Candidate Liberal Party of Honduras End Text. LLORENS