ZELAYA DISCUSSES CURRENT SITUATION WITH AMBASSADOR

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 TEGUCIGALPA 000515 SIPDIS STATE FOR WHA/CEN WHA/FO FOR A/S SHANNON AND DAS DAVE ROBINSON E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/29/2019 TAGS: PGOV PREL HO SUBJECT: ZELAYA DISCUSSES CURRENT SITUATION WITH AMBASSADOR TEGUCIGALP 00000515 001.2 OF 002 Classified By: Ambassador Hugo Llorens for reasons 1.4 (b & d). ¶1. (C) Summary: The Ambassador spoke to President Manuel "Mel" Zelaya on June 29. Zelaya briefed the Ambassador on the current diplomatic initiatives being undertaken by the OAS, UN and SICA in support of his government. He expressed appreciation for the clear U.S. response to the coup. The Ambassador briefed him on the current situation in the country and reiterated the U.S. rejection of the Micheletti regime and our adoption of a non-contact policy. Zelaya expressed the hope that violence could be avoided and that a negotiated solution could be found to allow him to return to Honduras and finish out his term. He expressed the hope that the OAS with U.S. support could help achieve a solution that could result in the re-establishment of the democratic order, but without vengeance. Zelaya also expressed gratitude for the U.S. effort to support his family in Honduras. End Summary. ¶2. (C) On June 29, the Ambassador spoke with President Zelaya. Zelaya said that he was in Managua attending the SICA meeting. He expressed appreciation for the U.S. position in support of democracy in Honduras. He said he was receiving universally strong international support. Zelaya mentioned he had received many calls from heads of state around the world including Presidents Lula, Bachelet and Kirchner. Zelaya said he expected the ALBA countries to withdraw their Ambassadors from Honduras in protest over the coup. He also said he expected the OAS to consider the suspension of Honduras from the organization consistent with the Democratic Charter. Zelaya said he was scheduled to travel to New York tomorrow and speak at the United Nations. He also planned to attend and participate in the OAS deliberations on Honduras to be held in Washington. ¶3. (C) The Ambassador briefed Zelaya on the situation on the ground in Honduras. He reiterated the U.S. total condemnation of the coup and our support for the restoration of the constitutional order. He underscored that the U.S. did not recognize the illegitimate government of Roberto Micheletti and had adopted a non-contact policy. The Ambassador said that the U.S. was demanding that the current authorities lift existing controls on television, radio and other media outlets, and release all officials that are detained. The Ambassador stressed that the U.S. would be working in the OAS to reaffirm support for democracy in Honduras and to coordinate the regional and international responses to the coup. He said senior level meetings were ongoing in Washington. ¶4. (C) Zelaya expressed appreciation for U.S. solidarity. He mentioned President Obama's and Secretary Clinton's strong statements of support. He also appreciated the Ambassador's press conference where he clearly condemned the coup. Beyond international condemnation and specific actions taken against the de facto regime, he expressed the hope that a negotiated solution could be found to the problem. The key was to avoid violence and to initiate a process of dialogue that would allow his return and the re-establishment of his government but in a manner that could bring the Honduran family back together. Zelaya said he was willing to negotiate and was not seeking vengeance. Zelaya responded that the OAS with U.S. support could play a positive role in support for his "negotiated" return. He warned that if he was excluded from his rightful place in the political process, it would undermine future political stability and the elections process in Honduras. ¶5. (C) The Ambassador also briefed Zelaya on U.S. assistance to his family. He said he had been in constant touch with the First Lady who was in hiding in Olancho. He noted the TEGUCIGALP 00000515 002.2 OF 002 First Lady's concern for the welfare of her children who were staying in private homes in Tegucigalpa. The Ambassador said he had picked up his youngest son, Jose Manuel, at a private residence brought him to his residence the previous evening where he was staying as a guest. Zelaya was clearly moved and said he would not forget the U.S. action in support of his family. The Ambassador mentioned the offer by Salvadoran President Mauricio Funes to send an aircraft to Tegucigalpa to bring the family out of the country. Zelaya said he greatly appreciated the Salvadoran offer and U.S. involvement in these contacts. However, he said that he wanted to maintain his family in the country if possible for fear that his properties might be seized. ¶6. (C) Comment: Zelaya seemed to be calmer and more focused than in the conversation of June 28. We will stay in touch with him and provide support as appropriate. LLORENS