AMBASSADOR MEETS WITH PRESIDENT LOBO

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 TEGUCIGALPA 000098 SIPDIS STATE FOR WHA/CEN E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/29/2020 TAGS: PGOV KDEM PREL ECON EAID SNAR HO SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR MEETS WITH PRESIDENT LOBO TEGUCIGALP 00000098 001.2 OF 002 Classified By: Ambassador Hugo Llorens, reasons 1.4 (b & d) ¶1. (U) This is an action request, please see para 9. ¶2. (C) Summary. Ambassador and DCM met with President Porfirio "Pepe" Lobo and his senior team to congratulate him on his inauguration and discuss bilateral issues. The Ambassador noted the important steps that Lobo had taken over the past week. Lobo and his team sought a call from the President or Secretary of State to Lobo to demonstrate U.S. support to spur international recognition, expressing concern over Honduras, severe economic situation and the need for resumption of aid. Embassy recommends that a call be made as soon as possible. End summary. ¶3. (C) Ambassador and DCM met with President Porfirio "Pepe" Lobo on his second full day in office at the Presidential Palace to congratulate him on his inauguration and review key issues. Lobo was accompanied by his presidential designates (roughly equivalent to vice presidents) Maria Antonieta Guillen-Bogran, Samuel Reyes and Victor Hugo Barnica; Foreign Minister Mario Canahuati; and Security Minister Oscar Alvarez. Restoring Constitutional Government -------------- ¶4. (C) The Ambassador opened by congratulating Lobo on a successful week that saw de facto regime head Roberto Micheletti step aside, a new Congress installed, Lobo's inauguration, the establishment of a government of national unity including cabinet members for almost all parties, the accord with President Leonel Fernandez of the Dominican Republic, leading to the departure of ex-President Manuel "Mel" Zelaya from his Brazilian embassy refuge, and the passage and signing of an amnesty bill. The Ambassador said that the U.S. delegation led by WHA A/S Arturo Valenzuela was very pleased with these positive developments. He added that these were important steps in restoring constitutional government and urged the quick creation of a Truth Commission to further advance the goals of the Tegucigalpa - San Jose Accord. Lobo agreed that much had been done and said that he planned to move quickly on establishing a Truth Commission, saying that his government was already in touch with the OAS on this issue, seeking its guidance as it would from the United States and other governments. He noted that he and ;the Ambassador had previously discussed the issue at length, thanking him for his input. Guillen-Brogran interjected now that these important steps had been taken, they hoped the United States would take additional steps in support of the new government, including a possible telephone call from President Obama or Secretary Clinton to Lobo. The Ambassador said that he would submit this request to the Department immediately. Canahuati expressed concern at the slow pace of international recognition of the restoration of democracy, adding that he feared the OAS might not vote on Honduran reintegration until June, which could lead individual countries to move slowly. Lobo added that in addition to securing the participation of the PINU, Christian Democratic and Democratic Unification presidential candidates in the government, Liberal presidential candidate Elvin Santos had told Lobo earlier in the morning that one of his presidential delegate candidates would take a position in his government. U.S. Assistance Programs -------------- ¶5. (C) The Ambassador said that the US was reviewing its position on assistance to Honduras. Non-military security assistance, particularly for anti-narcotics programs, could be started quickly, he said, given the deteriorating situation in Honduras and its national security implications for the U.S. He said that the remaining $4.5 million in MCC funds for the final section of the CA-5 highway had been released, but asked that this not be publicized. Resumption of USAID programs were under review. Lobo, Canahuati and Guillen-Brogran emphasized Honduras, precarious economic situation, saying that resumption of economic aid was needed as soon as possible. TEGUCIGALP 00000098 002.2 OF 002 Military Issues and Strengthening of Institutions -------------- --- ¶6. (C) Resumption of military support would come more slowly, with Washington carefully watching the selection of the new minister of defense and joint chief, the Ambassador said. Demonstration of civilian control was important. The Ambassador said that once a new minister was selected, he would meet with the minister along with his military team to emphasize the importance of civilian control. Lobo agreed on the importance of civilian control and said that he would be looking for our assistance in constitutional changes that would make it clear the military was not beholden to individuals, but rather to the constitution and law. He said that he was committed to strengthening Honduran government institutions. As a first step, he plans to hold weekly meetings with the leaders of the other two branches of government and to rotate the meeting locations among the branches, emphasizing the equality of the legislative and judicial branches with the executive. Temporary Protective Status -------------- ¶7. (C) Lobo and Canahauti stressed the importance of renewal of Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for Hondurans in the U.S., saying that the country dire economic situation made their return impossible and the need for their continued remittances paramount. The Ambassador promised to keep them informed on the issue. Comment and Action Request -------------- ¶8. (C) The meeting was very friendly and open. It was followed by an impromptu press conference as Lobo escorted the Ambassador from the building. At the conference, the Ambassador outlined firm U.S. support for the restoration of constitutional government, emphasizing the importance of the creations of the Truth Commission. Lobo has put together an excellent team, the vast majority of which are non-ideological with professional backgrounds. They are desperate for international recognition as they need assistance in tackling their very real economic problems. ¶9. (C) Action Request: Embassy requests that the Department consider having the Secretary call Lobo, this weekend if possible, to congratulate him on his inauguration and encourage him to move forward in restoring constitutional government. LLORENS