TFHA01: Ortega Calls U.S. Relief Effort in Haiti a Military

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 MANAGUA 000158 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID ECON PGOV PREL HA NU SUBJECT: TFHA01: Ortega Calls U.S. Relief Effort in Haiti a Military Invasion REF: A. STATE 5277; B. STATE 4909; C. STATE 4854 Summary ¶1. (SBU) The Nicaraguan Army has dispatched 34 soldiers to Haiti to assist with search and rescue efforts. Nicaragua also delivered 9 metric tons of foodstuffs and 9 metric tons of medical supplies. President Ortega has criticized the U.S. relief effort, describing it as a military invasion and claiming that our intent is to install a military base in Haiti. Post has complained about these false statements to Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX) officials and requested an opportunity to brief government officials on U.S. relief efforts in Haiti. Media coverage, with the exception of that provided by government-controlled outlets, has been relatively balanced to date; nonetheless, post is using television and print media to provide accurate information to the Nicaraguan public about our relief efforts. Aid Coordination ¶2. (U) On January 19, Econcouns contacted Renee Morales, Director for North America at MINREX, to request that Nicaragua use the United Nation's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Financial Tracking System (FTS) to coordinate assistance that Nicaragua provides to Haiti in the aftermath of the earthquake there (Ref B). Morales agreed to communicate the information provided, including the website address for FTS, to those responsible for coordinating assistance. She stated that on January 14, Nicaragua dispatched a "Solidarity Brigade" comprising 32 soldiers of the Nicaraguan Army to assist in search and rescue efforts. Government-owned media outlet "El 19" has reported that the brigade has rescued 4 Haitians from collapsed buildings since arriving. The team also delivered 3 metric tons of foodstuffs, including beans, rice and cooking oil according to "El 19." ¶3. (U) First Lady Rosario Murillo announced on January 18 that the Nicaraguan military would deliver a second shipment of commodities to Haiti, including an additional 6 metric tons of foodstuff as well as 9 metric tons of medical supplies. She also said that the brigade currently in Nicaragua, under the command of the Nicaraguan Army, would be expanded to include doctors and other health care specialists. Setting the Record Straight on U.S. Relief Efforts ¶4. (U) On January 15, President Ortega accused the United States of "manipulating a drama to put U.S. troops in Haiti." He is worried that U.S. troops have already taken over the airport in Port au Prince, and U.S. naval vessels have encircled the country. He claimed that the United States is looking to take advantage of the tragedy in Haiti to install a military base there. "It makes no sense that U.S. troops are landing in Haiti," Ortega said, and "I hope they will withdraw these troops, because by occupying Haiti, the United States is occupying Latin American and Caribbean territory." ¶5. (SBU) Econcouns complained to MINREX's Morales that President Ortega's characterization of U.S. relief efforts as a military occupation were false and counterproductive to the efforts of the international community to deliver much-needed assistance to Haiti. After briefly describing the extent of U.S. humanitarian relief efforts, he offered to provide Morales and other government officials a comprehensive briefing to set the record straight on our assistance, including our efforts to coordinate with the Haitian Government and the international community. ¶6. (U) During a January 20 interview on a local television show, the Charge d'Affaires described our relief efforts in Haiti, emphasizing the humanitarian nature of our mission and the importance of coordination with local authorities and the international community. On January 21, we will discuss U.S. relief efforts in Haiti with reporters from Nicaraguan newspapers "La Prensa" and "El Nuevo Diario." Comment ¶7. (SBU) MINREX is unlikely to respond to our request that we be allowed to brief Nicaraguan officials on our relief efforts, but if given the opportunity, we will make clear the negative reaction that the comments President Ortega made on January 15 have engendered within the USG. To date, with the exception of government-controlled media such as "El 19," coverage of our relief efforts in Haiti has been relatively fair and balanced. Nonetheless, post will continue to provide information to local media on U.S. relief efforts to counteract Ortega's misinformation. SANDERS