TFH01: MICHELETTI ANNOUNCES TEMPORARY ABSENCE

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 TEGUCIGALPA 001189 C O R R E C T E D C O P Y - CLASS ON PARA 2 - C O R R E C T E D C O P Y SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/19/2019 TAGS: PGOV PREL KDEM HO SUBJECT: TFH01: MICHELETTI ANNOUNCES TEMPORARY ABSENCE REF: A. TEGUCIGALPA 1188 ¶B. TEGUCIGALPA 1183 TEGUCIGALP 00001189 001.2 OF 003 Classified By: Ambassador Hugo Llorens for reasons 1.4 (b/d) ¶1. (C) Summary: De facto regime leader Roberto Micheletti announced on November 19 his intention to temporarily step aside for the period November 25-December 2 in order to give the country time to reflect. Micheletti urged all Hondurans to vote in the general election scheduled for November 29. However, he warned that if there were any attempts to destabilize the election, he would return. Micheletti also noted that he would consult with key stakeholders regarding his decision. After Micheletti's speech, the Ambassador spoke to both President Jose Manuel "Mel" Zelaya and Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Romeo Orlando Vasquez. President Zelaya told the Ambassador that he would review Micheletti's speech and issue the most constructive statement possible, but did not promise anything. General Vasquez, who was very pleased by Micheletti's announcement, told the Ambassador he was not concerned by Micheletti's statement that he would consult with stakeholders. Vasquez said he believed Micheletti was committed to stepping aside, but was hedging his bets in case reaction was not positive or Zelaya supporters attempted to destabilize the elections. End Summary. ¶2. (C) De facto regime leader Roberto Micheletti delivered on a commitment he had made in past conversations with Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State (PDAS) for Western Hemisphere Affairs (WHA) Craig Kelly and the Ambassador regarding plans to step aside by publicly announcing at 18:00 hours on November 19 his intention to temporarily step aside for the period November 25-December 2. Micheletti said he was taking this temporary leave in order to give the country time to reflect. Micheletti's message was couched in patriotic tones and urged all Hondurans to support the elections. Micheletti swore that if his action were mistakenly perceived as weakness and there were any attempts to destabilize the election, he would return. Micheletti advisor Kenia Lima called the Ambassador the evening of November 18 to inform the Ambassador that Micheletti intended to take this action at 12:00 hours on November 19. Subsequently, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Romeo Orlando Vasquez informed the Ambassador that in a meeting the afternoon of November 18 he had urged Micheletti to make the decision for the good of the country and in order to create the best possible atmosphere for the holding of the general election on November 29. In the late morning of November 19 Lima provided the Ambassador with an advance draft copy of the speech and said it would be delivered at 18:00 hours. The Ambassador passed the document to the Department and the National Security Council. One point made by Micheletti that we need to watch is his announcement that he would consult with key stakeholders on his decision. ¶3. (U) Unofficial Embassy translation of Micheletti's remarks follows: BEGIN TEXT (UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATION) My fellow citizens. In only a few days Hondurans will be carrying out the most important civic event in any democracy: electing the leaders of our country in free and transparent elections. Until now, the preparations for the elections of November 29 have moved forward without delay and the political campaigns are being carried out with more energy than ever. Hundreds of international observers have confirmed their attendance during the electoral process, including distinguished former presidents and dignitaries of friendly nations. Likewise, friendly nations have expressed their support for and recognition of a fair, free, and transparent process. The presidential elections represent the strengthening of our democracy and of the civil liberties which our people demand and deserve. Successfully getting to this moment required the effort of all our people and institutions. The Supreme Electoral Tribunal, its magistrates and its entire team, have done an imposing and patriotic job to organize the elections. I congratulate them on their great work. Likewise, I reiterate TEGUCIGALP 00001189 002 OF 003 my full confidence in the democratic vocation of the Honduran people and the capacity and resolution of the Armed Forces of the Republic and of the National Police, which at the service of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, will know how to guarantee the order and security of persons and property on November 29, the date on which the Honduran people will decide, through its citizen vote, the destiny of our beloved Honduras. As a gesture that leaves no doubt of my responsibility before the high office I have assumed, and with the same democratic conviction that has led this nation to support and work towards a successful electoral process, I have determined it prudent to open up a space for reflection so that Hondurans will ponder the importance of suffrage and the responsibility of electing our next government. For that reason, I will absent myself from the exercise of my duties for a period that could begin on November 25 and end on December 2, an intention which I will consult with the representatives of the different sectors of Honduran society which have valiantly accompanied this entire process. My goal, through this step, is that the attention of all Hondurans be focused on the electoral process and not on the political crisis. I foresee that this decision could be interpreted, maliciously taken advantage of by those who with their erratic behavior and their intention of provoking discord will say that it is a sign of the weakness of my government. I assure those persons who in no way contribute to the social peace and security that my country so needs and deserves, that it is quite the opposite. My action should be interpreted as a sign of strength and total and unquestionable confidence in the institutions of our country, which is shown with deeds, with realities, and not with words. From the first moment I took possession of the office of President I have said that the current situation that Honduras is going through should not be focused on my desires or those of any other individual, but rather on the needs of our democracy and the well-being of our future. Strengthening our democracy, through the electoral process that draws near, has always been the final goal of my government. I firmly believe that by opening this space for reflection, a greater openness will be possible for the upcoming elections. During this time of absence from my duties, in accordance with our Constitution which has been the document that has always guided the actions of my government, the management of my administration will be carried out normally. And, of course, if unfortunately there is a general disturbance of law and order that threatens the peace of the nation and the tranquillity of the Honduran people, there should be no doubt and I guarantee it on the constitutional oath that I took and on my honor as a citizen committed to my country and the Honduran people, that I will immediately resume my duties and will strongly and firmly order the measures that are needed to guarantee order and tranquillity and peace. With the election, we will witness the peaceful transfer of power in our country and the inauguration of the next leader democratically elected through the express will of the Honduran people. I also want to set the example and reiterate to citizen Jose Manuel Zelaya Rosales, the obligation that we should respect before the day set for the holding of the general elections, geared to maintaining the most profound silence and respect, in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral and Political Organizations Law as well as the Tegucigalpa-San Jose agreement that we voluntarily signed. Those who intend to disrupt the elections guided by their personal interest and agenda, will not succeed. No one will be able to bend Hondurans' democratic spirit. I urge those forces of discord to re-consider, to place the country above their personal aspirations, so that Honduras will be the country that we all desire and deserve. Together we should show the international community that this small but worthy country deserves respect and admiration. Our fight for democracy is indisputable. Of that, we all should be proud. TEGUCIGALP 00001189 003 OF 003 I invite all Hondurans to exercise their right to vote next November 29. I, of course, will do so in order to comply with the civic duty of every citizen in a democracy. Our votes next November 29 represent the collective hope for peace of our people, of our democracy and of our future. May God bless you and long live Honduras! END TEXT (UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATION) ¶4. (C) Follow-up Calls: Following the speech, the Ambassador spoke to a number of players on both sides. The Ambassador spoke to President Zelaya and told him that the Micheletti statement appeared positive and offered an opportunity for progress. Zelaya responded that rather than leave for eight days Micheletti should resign for good. However, he acknowledged that resignation or a leave of absence were not realistic options. Zelaya said he would carefully review the text and try to issue the most constructive statement possible. The Ambassador also spoke again to General Vasquez who was extremely happy. Both discussed the possibility that Micheletti might agree to appoint new ministers possibly consistent with the Tegucigalpa-San Jose Accord. Vasquez stressed that Micheletti had asked all of his cabinet ministers to submit their resignation and would be open to making new appointments. The Ambassador conveyed some concern that Micheletti appeared to want to consult with key supporters prior to making a final decision. Vasquez said he believed that Micheletti was committed to stepping aside, but was hedging his bets in the event that domestic and international reaction was not positive, or in the event that pro-Zelaya supporters attempted to destabilize the elections process. LLORENS