TFH01: TALKING TO GENERAL VASQUEZ AND PRESIDENT

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 TEGUCIGALPA 000962 SIPDIS STATE FOR WHA/CEN A/S TOM SHANNON E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/24/2019 TAGS: PGOV KDEM PREL HO SUBJECT: TFH01: TALKING TO GENERAL VASQUEZ AND PRESIDENT ZELAYA REF: STATE 69222 TEGUCIGALP 00000962 001.2 OF 002 Classified By: Ambassador Hugo Llorens, reasons 1.4 (b & d) ¶1. (C) Summary: We have been working with Chief of Defense General Romeo Vasquez Velasquez to improve conditions for President Zelaya's party and Brazilian diplomats in the Brazilian chancery. Vasquez is willing to help but has also insisted that Zelaya be more active in encouraging his supporters to avoid violence. Zelaya has told us that he met with Micheletti representative Arturo Corrales and discussed the possibility of a negotiated settlement. Zelaya said Corrales told him that under no/no circumstances would Micheletti allow Zelaya back in power. Corrales offered the "Third Option" whereby Micheletti and Zelaya would both resign and a constitutional successor would be named to run a government of national reconciliation through the elections and the January 27, 2010 inauguration of a newly-elected head of state. Zelaya said he was willing to accept a modified version of San Jose, but that he would not give up his claim to the presidency. End Summary. ¶2. (C) As per Department instructions, the Ambassador spoke the evening of September 23 to regime Chief of Defense General Romeo Vasquez Velasquez. The Ambassador conveyed the U.S. position that the regime fully respect the diplomatic inviolability of the Brazilian Embassy and wanted to ensure that the security forces took effective steps to provide for the security of President Zelaya and his family who were in the diplomatic compound. The Ambassador passed on concerns expressed by those within the compound, and propagated by the rumor mill, that the regime security forces were planning to enter the Brazilian Embassy and arrest Zelaya. Vasquez assured the Ambassador once again that under no/no circumstances would the Honduran military enter the Brazilian Embassy and attempt to capture President Zelaya. He described the rumors as "lies" and said they were part of a Zelaya campaign to discredit the regime and the military. Vasquez reiterated the military's cooperation with the Embassy in improving conditions in the Brazilian compound in terms of food, water, and the entry and exit of visitors. The Ambassador noted that an issue of concern related to continued restrictions on the movement of Brazilian diplomatic personnel in and out of their chancery. He said that Honduran security forces would allow the Charge free movement, but insisted that if he left the chancery his vehicle would need to be searched. ¶3. (C) On the morning of September 24, the Ambassador spoke again to Vasquez to convey complaints from Brazilian diplomats and the Zelaya party regarding conditions within the chancery compound. The Ambassador noted that the previous evening security forces had beamed bright lights into the compound and mobilized a large contingent of troops to the Embassy and positioned some of them in full battle gear on the walls of the compound. The Ambassador stressed that the U.S. and the international community insisted on fair and humane conditions for those in the compound. Vasquez agreed that it was in their interest to improve conditions for the Zelaya party and Brazilian diplomats. (Note: Later in the morning Vasquez assigned a senior military officer to be available to President Zelaya, the First Lady and the Brazilian Charge d'Affaires to deal with any issues pertaining to conditions within the compound. This direct telephone contact has been established. End Note). ¶4. (C) Vasquez told the Ambassador that the military did not want President Zelaya hurt. He said that the despite their differences he considered Zelaya a personal friend. He added that the armed forces were doing everything possible to avoid violence. He noted that the Honduran military was on the record as supporting San Jose and wanted a negotiated solution. He warned that the breakout of generalized violence and death would lead to chaos and catastrophe for the Honduran people. Vasquez asked the Ambassador to approach President Zelaya and urge him to instruct his supporters to avoid the use of violence, and to stop looting and damaging property. The Ambassador responded TEGUCIGALP 00000962 002.2 OF 002 that the U.S. has pressed Zelaya to do everything in his power to avoid violence and to call for reconciliation. However, the Ambassador agreed to pass on his message directly to Zelaya. ¶5. (C) Following this conversation the Ambassador spoke to President Zelaya and urged him to do everything to discourage his supporters from committing acts of violence and vandalism. The Ambassador stressed that the breakdown in law and order, the eruption of civil conflict and any shedding of blood would be a tragedy for the Honduran nation and would be devastating to the political fortunes of himself and Roberto Micheletti. Zelaya agreed and said he would go back to his supporters in the resistance movement and direct them to peaceful activity. ¶6. (C) Zelaya also told the Ambassador that he had met with Micheletti Commission member Arturo Corrales late last night. He said that Corrales said the regime was willing to negotiate a deal. Corrales said that under no/no circumstances would the Micheletti regime allow him to return as President. He Corrales said that the regime offered the Third Option, whereby Micheletti and Zelaya would both resign and a constitutional succession would occur (possibly with the President of the Supreme Court or the Minister of Governance assuming the Presidency). He said the new government of national reconciliation would preside over the elections and transfer power to the newly-elected president. Zelaya said he responded that he was open to negotiate and he was very open to an expanded version of San Jose with stronger enforcement mechanisms, but would not countenance renouncing the presidency. Zelaya said he looked forward to the meeting with the presidential candidates and expressed the hope that they could help bridge the gap between the two sides. LLORENS