Keep Us Strong WikiLeaks logo

Currently released so far... 251287 / 251,287

Articles

Browse latest releases

Browse by creation date

Browse by origin

A B C D F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

Browse by tag

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
AEMR ASEC AMGT AE AS AMED AVIAN AU AF AORC AGENDA AO AR AM APER AFIN ATRN AJ ABUD ARABL AL AG AODE ALOW ADANA AADP AND APECO ACABQ ASEAN AA AFFAIRS AID AGR AY AGS AFSI AGOA AMB ARF ANET ASCH ACOA AFLU AFSN AMEX AFDB ABLD AESC AFGHANISTAN AINF AVIATION ARR ARSO ANDREW ASSEMBLY AIDS APRC ASSK ADCO ASIG AC AZ APEC AFINM ADB AP ACOTA ASEX ACKM ASUP ANTITERRORISM ADPM AINR ARABLEAGUE AGAO AORG AMTC AIN ACCOUNT ASECAFINGMGRIZOREPTU AIDAC AINT ARCH AMGTKSUP ALAMI AMCHAMS ALJAZEERA AVIANFLU AORD AOREC ALIREZA AOMS AMGMT ABDALLAH AORCAE AHMED ACCELERATED AUC ALZUGUREN ANGEL AORL ASECIR AMG AMBASSADOR AEMRASECCASCKFLOMARRPRELPINRAMGTJMXL ADM ASES ABMC AER AMER ASE AMGTHA ARNOLDFREDERICK AOPC ACS AFL AEGR ASED AFPREL AGRI AMCHAM ARNOLD AN ANATO AME APERTH ASECSI AT ACDA ASEDC AIT AMERICA AMLB AMGE ACTION AGMT AFINIZ ASECVE ADRC ABER AGIT APCS AEMED ARABBL ARC ASO AIAG ACEC ASR ASECM ARG AEC ABT ADIP ADCP ANARCHISTS AORCUN AOWC ASJA AALC AX AROC ARM AGENCIES ALBE AK AZE AOPR AREP AMIA ASCE ALANAZI ABDULRAHMEN ABDULHADI AINFCY ARMS ASECEFINKCRMKPAOPTERKHLSAEMRNS AGRICULTURE AFPK AOCR ALEXANDER ATRD ATFN ABLG AORCD AFGHAN ARAS AORCYM AVERY ALVAREZ ACBAQ ALOWAR ANTOINE ABLDG ALAB AMERICAS AFAF ASECAFIN ASEK ASCC AMCT AMGTATK AMT APDC AEMRS ASECE AFSA ATRA ARTICLE ARENA AISG AEMRBC AFR AEIR ASECAF AFARI AMPR ASPA ASOC ANTONIO AORCL ASECARP APRM AUSTRALIAGROUP ASEG AFOR AEAID AMEDI ASECTH ASIC AFDIN AGUIRRE AUNR ASFC AOIC ANTXON ASA ASECCASC ALI AORCEUNPREFPRELSMIGBN ASECKHLS ASSSEMBLY ASECVZ AI ASECPGOV ASIR ASCEC ASAC ARAB AIEA ADMIRAL AUSGR AQ AMTG ARRMZY ANC APR AMAT AIHRC AFU ADEL AECL ACAO AMEMR ADEP AV AW AOR ALL ALOUNI AORCUNGA ALNEA ASC AORCO ARMITAGE AGENGA AGRIC AEM ACOAAMGT AGUILAR AFPHUM AMEDCASCKFLO AFZAL AAA ATPDEA ASECPHUM ASECKFRDCVISKIRFPHUMSMIGEG
ETRD ETTC EU ECON EFIN EAGR EAID ELAB EINV ENIV ENRG EPET EZ ELTN ELECTIONS ECPS ET ER EG EUN EIND ECONOMICS EMIN ECIN EINT EWWT EAIR EN ENGR ES EI ETMIN EL EPA EARG EFIS ECONOMY EC EK ELAM ECONOMIC EAR ESDP ECCP ELN EUM EUMEM ECA EAP ELEC ECOWAS EFTA EXIM ETTD EDRC ECOSOC ECPSN ENVIRONMENT ECO EMAIL ECTRD EREL EDU ENERG ENERGY ENVR ETRAD EAC EXTERNAL EFIC ECIP ERTD EUC ENRGMO EINZ ESTH ECCT EAGER ECPN ELNT ERD EGEN ETRN EIVN ETDR EXEC EIAD EIAR EVN EPRT ETTF ENGY EAIDCIN EXPORT ETRC ESA EIB EAPC EPIT ESOCI ETRB EINDQTRD ENRC EGOV ECLAC EUR ELF ETEL ENRGUA EVIN EARI ESCAP EID ERIN ELAN ENVT EDEV EWWY EXBS ECOM EV ELNTECON ECE ETRDGK EPETEIND ESCI ETRDAORC EAIDETRD ETTR EMS EAGRECONEINVPGOVBN EBRD EUREM ERGR EAGRBN EAUD EFI ETRDEINVECINPGOVCS EPEC ETRO ENRGY EGAR ESSO EGAD ENV ENER EAIDXMXAXBXFFR ELA EET EINVETRD EETC EIDN ERGY ETRDPGOV EING EMINCG EINVECON EURM EEC EICN EINO EPSC ELAP ELABPGOVBN EE ESPS ETRA ECONETRDBESPAR ERICKSON EEOC EVENTS EPIN EB ECUN EPWR ENG EX EH EAIDAR EAIS ELBA EPETUN ETRDEIQ EENV ECPC ETRP ECONENRG EUEAID EWT EEB EAIDNI ESENV EADM ECN ENRGKNNP ETAD ETR ECONETRDEAGRJA ETRG ETER EDUC EITC EBUD EAIF EBEXP EAIDS EITI EGOVSY EFQ ECOQKPKO ETRGY ESF EUE EAIC EPGOV ENFR EAGRE ENRD EINTECPS EAVI ETC ETCC EIAID EAIDAF EAGREAIDPGOVPRELBN EAOD ETRDA EURN EASS EINVA EAIDRW EON ECOR EPREL EGPHUM ELTM ECOS EINN ENNP EUPGOV EAGRTR ECONCS ETIO ETRDGR EAIDB EISNAR EIFN ESPINOSA EAIDASEC ELIN EWTR EMED ETFN ETT EADI EPTER ELDIN EINVEFIN ESS ENRGIZ EQRD ESOC ETRDECD ECINECONCS EAIT ECONEAIR ECONEFIN EUNJ ENRGKNNPMNUCPARMPRELNPTIAEAJMXL ELAD EFIM ETIC EFND EFN ETLN ENGRD EWRG ETA EIN EAIRECONRP EXIMOPIC ERA ENRGJM ECONEGE ENVI ECHEVARRIA EMINETRD EAD ECONIZ EENG ELBR EWWC ELTD EAIDMG ETRK EIPR EISNLN ETEX EPTED EFINECONCS EPCS EAG ETRDKIPR ED EAIO ETRDEC ENRGPARMOTRASENVKGHGPGOVECONTSPLEAID ECONEINVEFINPGOVIZ ERNG EFINU EURFOR EWWI ELTNSNAR ETD EAIRASECCASCID EOXC ESTN EAIDAORC EAGRRP ETRDEMIN ELABPHUMSMIGKCRMBN ETRDEINVTINTCS EGHG EAIDPHUMPRELUG EAGRBTIOBEXPETRDBN EDA EPETPGOV ELAINE EUCOM EMW EFINECONEAIDUNGAGM ELB EINDETRD EMI ETRDECONWTOCS EINR ESTRADA EHUM EFNI ELABV ENR EMN EXO EWWTPRELPGOVMASSMARRBN EATO END EP EINVETC ECONEFINETRDPGOVEAGRPTERKTFNKCRMEAID ELTRN EIQ ETTW EAI ENGRG ETRED ENDURING ETTRD EAIDEGZ EOCN EINF EUPREL ENRL ECPO ENLT EEFIN EPPD ECOIN EUEAGR EISL EIDE ENRGSD EINVECONSENVCSJA EAIG ENTG EEPET EUNCH EPECO ETZ EPAT EPTE EAIRGM ETRDPREL EUNGRSISAFPKSYLESO ETTN EINVKSCA ESLCO EBMGT ENRGTRGYETRDBEXPBTIOSZ EFLU ELND EFINOECD EAIDHO EDUARDO ENEG ECONEINVETRDEFINELABETRDKTDBPGOVOPIC EFINTS ECONQH ENRGPREL EUNPHUM EINDIR EPE EMINECINECONSENVTBIONS EFINM ECRM EQ EWWTSP ECONPGOVBN
KFLO KPKO KDEM KFLU KTEX KMDR KPAO KCRM KIDE KN KNNP KG KMCA KZ KJUS KWBG KU KDMR KAWC KCOR KPAL KOMC KTDB KTIA KISL KHIV KHUM KTER KCFE KTFN KS KIRF KTIP KIRC KSCA KICA KIPR KPWR KWMN KE KGIC KGIT KSTC KACT KSEP KFRD KUNR KHLS KCRS KRVC KUWAIT KVPR KSRE KMPI KMRS KNRV KNEI KCIP KSEO KITA KDRG KV KSUM KCUL KPET KBCT KO KSEC KOLY KNAR KGHG KSAF KWNM KNUC KMNP KVIR KPOL KOCI KPIR KLIG KSAC KSTH KNPT KINL KPRP KRIM KICC KIFR KPRV KAWK KFIN KT KVRC KR KHDP KGOV KPOW KTBT KPMI KPOA KRIF KEDEM KFSC KY KGCC KATRINA KWAC KSPR KTBD KBIO KSCI KRCM KNNB KBNC KIMT KCSY KINR KRAD KMFO KCORR KW KDEMSOCI KNEP KFPC KEMPI KBTR KFRDCVISCMGTCASCKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG KNPP KTTB KTFIN KBTS KCOM KFTN KMOC KOR KDP KPOP KGHA KSLG KMCR KJUST KUM KMSG KHPD KREC KIPRTRD KPREL KEN KCSA KCRIM KGLB KAKA KWWT KUNP KCRN KISLPINR KLFU KUNC KEDU KCMA KREF KPAS KRKO KNNC KLHS KWAK KOC KAPO KTDD KOGL KLAP KECF KCRCM KNDP KSEAO KCIS KISM KREL KISR KISC KKPO KWCR KPFO KUS KX KWCI KRFD KWPG KTRD KH KLSO KEVIN KEANE KACW KWRF KNAO KETTC KTAO KWIR KVCORR KDEMGT KPLS KICT KWGB KIDS KSCS KIRP KSTCPL KDEN KLAB KFLOA KIND KMIG KPPAO KPRO KLEG KGKG KCUM KTTP KWPA KIIP KPEO KICR KNNA KMGT KCROM KMCC KLPM KNNPGM KSIA KSI KWWW KOMS KESS KMCAJO KWN KTDM KDCM KCM KVPRKHLS KENV KCCP KGCN KCEM KEMR KWMNKDEM KNNPPARM KDRM KWIM KJRE KAID KWMM KPAONZ KUAE KTFR KIF KNAP KPSC KSOCI KCWI KAUST KPIN KCHG KLBO KIRCOEXC KI KIRCHOFF KSTT KNPR KDRL KCFC KLTN KPAOKMDRKE KPALAOIS KESO KKOR KSMT KFTFN KTFM KDEMK KPKP KOCM KNN KISLSCUL KFRDSOCIRO KINT KRG KWMNSMIG KSTCC KPAOY KFOR KWPR KSEPCVIS KGIV KSEI KIL KWMNPHUMPRELKPAOZW KQ KEMS KHSL KTNF KPDD KANSOU KKIV KFCE KTTC KGH KNNNP KK KSCT KWNN KAWX KOMCSG KEIM KTSD KFIU KDTB KFGM KACP KWWMN KWAWC KSPA KGICKS KNUP KNNO KISLAO KTPN KSTS KPRM KPALPREL KPO KTLA KCRP KNMP KAWCK KCERS KDUM KEDM KTIALG KWUN KPTS KPEM KMEPI KAWL KHMN KCRO KCMR KPTD KCROR KMPT KTRF KSKN KMAC KUK KIRL KEM KSOC KBTC KOM KINP KDEMAF KTNBT KISK KRM KWBW KBWG KNNPMNUC KNOP KSUP KCOG KNET KWBC KESP KMRD KEBG KFRDKIRFCVISCMGTKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG KPWG KOMCCO KRGY KNNF KPROG KJAN KFRED KPOKO KM KWMNCS KMPF KJWC KJU KSMIG KALR KRAL KDGOV KPA KCRMJA KCRI KAYLA KPGOV KRD KNNPCH KFEM KPRD KFAM KALM KIPRETRDKCRM KMPP KADM KRFR KMWN KWRG KTIAPARM KTIAEUN KRDP KLIP KDDEM KTIAIC KWKN KPAD KDM KRCS KWBGSY KEAI KIVP KPAOPREL KUNH KTSC KIPT KNP KJUSTH KGOR KEPREL KHSA KGHGHIV KNNR KOMH KRCIM KWPB KWIC KINF KPER KILS KA KNRG KCSI KFRP KLFLO KFE KNPPIS KQM KQRDQ KERG KPAOPHUM KSUMPHUM KVBL KARIM KOSOVO KNSD KUIR KWHG KWBGXF KWMNU KPBT KKNP KERF KCRT KVIS KWRC KVIP KTFS KMARR KDGR KPAI KDE KTCRE KMPIO KUNRAORC KHOURY KAWS KPAK KOEM KCGC KID KVRP KCPS KIVR KBDS KWOMN KIIC KTFNJA KARZAI KMVP KHJUS KPKOUNSC KMAR KIBL KUNA KSA KIS KJUSAF KDEV KPMO KHIB KIRD KOUYATE KIPRZ KBEM KPAM KDET KPPD KOSCE KJUSKUNR KICCPUR KRMS KWMNPREL KWMJN KREISLER KWM KDHS KRV KPOV KWMNCI KMPL KFLD KWWN KCVM KIMMITT KCASC KOMO KNATO KDDG KHGH KRF KSCAECON KWMEN KRIC
PREL PINR PGOV PHUM PTER PE PREF PARM PBTS PINS PHSA PK PL PM PNAT PHAS PO PROP PGOVE PA PU POLITICAL PPTER POL PALESTINIAN PHUN PIN PAMQ PPA PSEC POLM PBIO PSOE PDEM PAK PF PKAO PGOVPRELMARRMOPS PMIL PV POLITICS PRELS POLICY PRELHA PIRN PINT PGOG PERSONS PRC PEACE PROCESS PRELPGOV PROV PFOV PKK PRE PT PIRF PSI PRL PRELAF PROG PARMP PERL PUNE PREFA PP PGOB PUM PROTECTION PARTIES PRIL PEL PAGE PS PGO PCUL PLUM PIF PGOVENRGCVISMASSEAIDOPRCEWWTBN PMUC PCOR PAS PB PKO PY PKST PTR PRM POUS PRELIZ PGIC PHUMS PAL PNUC PLO PMOPS PHM PGOVBL PBK PELOSI PTE PGOVAU PNR PINSO PRO PLAB PREM PNIR PSOCI PBS PD PHUML PERURENA PKPA PVOV PMAR PHUMCF PUHM PHUH PRELPGOVETTCIRAE PRT PROPERTY PEPFAR PREI POLUN PAR PINSF PREFL PH PREC PPD PING PQL PINSCE PGV PREO PRELUN POV PGOVPHUM PINRES PRES PGOC PINO POTUS PTERE PRELKPAO PRGOV PETR PGOVEAGRKMCAKNARBN PPKO PARLIAMENT PEPR PMIG PTBS PACE PETER PMDL PVIP PKPO POLMIL PTEL PJUS PHUMNI PRELKPAOIZ PGOVPREL POGV PEREZ POWELL PMASS PDOV PARN PG PPOL PGIV PAIGH PBOV PETROL PGPV PGOVL POSTS PSO PRELEU PRELECON PHUMPINS PGOVKCMABN PQM PRELSP PRGO PATTY PRELPGOVEAIDECONEINVBEXPSCULOIIPBTIO PGVO PROTESTS PRELPLS PKFK PGOVEAIDUKNOSWGMHUCANLLHFRSPITNZ PARAGRAPH PRELGOV POG PTRD PTERM PBTSAG PHUMKPAL PRELPK PTERPGOV PAO PRIVATIZATION PSCE PPAO PGOVPRELPHUMPREFSMIGELABEAIDKCRMKWMN PARALYMPIC PRUM PKPRP PETERS PAHO PARMS PGREL PINV POINS PHUMPREL POREL PRELNL PHUMPGOV PGOVQL PLAN PRELL PARP PROVE PSOC PDD PRELNP PRELBR PKMN PGKV PUAS PRELTBIOBA PBTSEWWT PTERIS PGOVU PRELGG PHUMPRELPGOV PFOR PEPGOV PRELUNSC PRAM PICES PTERIZ PREK PRELEAGR PRELEUN PHUME PHU PHUMKCRS PRESL PRTER PGOF PARK PGOVSOCI PTERPREL PGOVEAID PGOVPHUMKPAO PINSKISL PREZ PGOVAF PARMEUN PECON PINL POGOV PGOVLO PIERRE PRELPHUM PGOVPZ PGOVKCRM PBST PKPAO PHUMHUPPS PGOVPOL PASS PPGOV PROGV PAGR PHALANAGE PARTY PRELID PGOVID PHUMR PHSAQ PINRAMGT PSA PRELM PRELMU PIA PINRPE PBTSRU PARMIR PEDRO PNUK PVPR PINOCHET PAARM PRFE PRELEIN PINF PCI PSEPC PGOVSU PRLE PDIP PHEM PRELB PORG PGGOC POLG POPDC PGOVPM PWMN PDRG PHUMK PINB PRELAL PRER PFIN PNRG PRED POLI PHUMBO PHYTRP PROLIFERATION PHARM PUOS PRHUM PUNR PENA PGOVREL PETRAEUS PGOVKDEM PGOVENRG PHUS PRESIDENT PTERKU PRELKSUMXABN PGOVSI PHUMQHA PKISL PIR PGOVZI PHUMIZNL PKNP PRELEVU PMIN PHIM PHUMBA PUBLIC PHAM PRELKPKO PMR PARTM PPREL PN PROL PDA PGOVECON PKBL PKEAID PERM PRELEZ PRELC PER PHJM PGOVPRELPINRBN PRFL PLN PWBG PNG PHUMA PGOR PHUMPTER POLINT PPEF PKPAL PNNL PMARR PAC PTIA PKDEM PAUL PREG PTERR PTERPRELPARMPGOVPBTSETTCEAIRELTNTC PRELJA POLS PI PNS PAREL PENV PTEROREP PGOVM PINER PBGT PHSAUNSC PTERDJ PRELEAID PARMIN PKIR PLEC PCRM PNET PARR PRELETRD PRELBN PINRTH PREJ PEACEKEEPINGFORCES PEMEX PRELZ PFLP PBPTS PTGOV PREVAL PRELSW PAUM PRF PHUMKDEM PATRICK PGOVKMCAPHUMBN PRELA PNUM PGGV PGOVSMIGKCRMKWMNPHUMCVISKFRDCA PBT PIND PTEP PTERKS PGOVJM PGOT PRELMARR PGOVCU PREV PREFF PRWL PET PROB PRELPHUMP PHUMAF PVTS PRELAFDB PSNR PGOVECONPRELBU PGOVZL PREP PHUMPRELBN PHSAPREL PARCA PGREV PGOVDO PGON PCON PODC PRELOV PHSAK PSHA PGOVGM PRELP POSCE PGOVPTER PHUMRU PINRHU PARMR PGOVTI PPEL PMAT PAN PANAM PGOVBO PRELHRC

Browse by classification

Community resources

courage is contagious

Viewing cable 07LAPAZ3220, VENEZUELAN PLANE CONTROVERSY GOES INTERNATIONAL

If you are new to these pages, please read an introduction on the structure of a cable as well as how to discuss them with others. See also the FAQs

Understanding cables
Every cable message consists of three parts:
  • The top box shows each cables unique reference number, when and by whom it originally was sent, and what its initial classification was.
  • The middle box contains the header information that is associated with the cable. It includes information about the receiver(s) as well as a general subject.
  • The bottom box presents the body of the cable. The opening can contain a more specific subject, references to other cables (browse by origin to find them) or additional comment. This is followed by the main contents of the cable: a summary, a collection of specific topics and a comment section.
To understand the justification used for the classification of each cable, please use this WikiSource article as reference.

Discussing cables
If you find meaningful or important information in a cable, please link directly to its unique reference number. Linking to a specific paragraph in the body of a cable is also possible by copying the appropriate link (to be found at theparagraph symbol). Please mark messages for social networking services like Twitter with the hash tags #cablegate and a hash containing the reference ID e.g. #07LAPAZ3220.
Reference ID Created Released Classification Origin
07LAPAZ3220 2007-12-10 22:13 2011-08-30 01:44 CONFIDENTIAL Embassy La Paz
VZCZCXYZ0000
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHLP #3220/01 3442213
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 102213Z DEC 07
FM AMEMBASSY LA PAZ
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5914
INFO RUEHAC/AMEMBASSY ASUNCION 7396
RUEHBO/AMEMBASSY BOGOTA 4763
RUEHBR/AMEMBASSY BRASILIA 8671
RUEHBU/AMEMBASSY BUENOS AIRES 5898
RUEHCV/AMEMBASSY CARACAS 3115
RUEHPE/AMEMBASSY LIMA 3317
RUEHMN/AMEMBASSY MONTEVIDEO 5100
RUEHQT/AMEMBASSY QUITO 5752
RUEHSG/AMEMBASSY SANTIAGO 0360
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC
RUMIAAA/USCINCSO MIAMI FL
RUEHUB/USINT HAVANA 0782
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHINGTON DC
RHMFISS/HQ USSOUTHCOM MIAMI FL
C O N F I D E N T I A L LA PAZ 003220 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/08/2017 
TAGS: ECON PGOV PREL MARR BL VN
SUBJECT: VENEZUELAN PLANE CONTROVERSY GOES INTERNATIONAL 
 
REF: A. LA PAZ 3153 
     B. LA PAZ 3013 
 
Classified By: ECOPOL Chief Mike Hammer for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) 
 
1. (C) Summary:  Although facts are emerging, rumors continue 
to run rampant concerning the aborted landing of a Venezuelan 
C-130 Hercules airplane.  Forced to leave one Bolivian town 
by a rock-wielding mob, the plane was unable to land at 
another Bolivian town as protesters blocked the runway.  A 
Venezuelan Development Bank Official was left behind to face 
an angry opposition crowd, who claimed he was shuttling 
$800,000 for nefarious purposes.  The plane finally emergency 
landed in Rio Branco, Brazil to refuel.  Although the 
Brazilians officially state there were no weapons aboard, 
some in the opposition continue to believe there were weapons 
aboard or that the crew ditched cargo en route to the 
Brazilian airport.  Opposition leaders claim privately that 
the Brazilians never opened the cargo, an allegation 
confirmed by Brazilian Military Attach Officers to Embassy 
DATT.  Brazilian DATT Officers also said Venezuela has 
requested regular use of Rio Branco.  Irrespective of the 
incident, opposition leaders argue Venezuelan planes are 
landing in Bolivia in flagrant disregard of Bolivian 
sovereignty and without the Constitutionally-required 
permission of the opposition-controlled Senate.  Meanwhile, 
the Bolivian and Venezuelan governments have blamed the U.S. 
End Summary. 
 
Just the Facts 
-------------- 
 
2. (U) A Venezuelan C-130 Hercules cargo plane departed El 
Alto airport near La Paz the morning of December 6.  It 
landed in Riberalta, Beni Department (state), near the 
Brazilian border, at about 1100.  The plane was on the ground 
only a short time before an angry crowd of at least 200 
pelted the plane and crew with rocks.  The crew made a hasty 
departure at about 1130 and left a passenger behind from the 
Venezuelan Development Bank (BANDES).  The crew tried to land 
the plane at Beni's capital of Trinidad, but were denied a 
safe landing approach by opposition forces blocking the 
runway.  Opposition forces also blocked runways in 
Guayaramerin (Beni) and Cobija (Pando).  The plane asked for 
and was granted permission for an emergency landing in Rio 
Branco, Brazil, at about 1500.  Although the plane was 
granted permission to leave Rio Branco at 1700, it stayed 
until the morning of December 7 waiting for funds to pay for 
fuel.  These events have been covered widely by the press and 
confirmed by the government.  Details concerning the number 
of Venezuelans on board, contents of the plane's cargo, and 
the mission of the BANDES official remain contested. 
 
Brazil: No Arms, No Ammo, No Problem 
------------------------------------ 
 
3. (U) The Brazilian National Police released a statement 
December 7 that there were 35 passengers and crew, including 
33 Venezuelan military, but claimed it found no weapons in 
the plane.  The Brazilians added they did not know the 
plane's mission.  The Brazilian Aeronautics Communication 
Center told the media it considered the case "closed." 
Brazilian President Inacio Lula da Silva's press secretary 
was quoted in the Bolivian press saying that if "it is 
necessary" the Brazilian Government would "ask for an 
explanation," although it considers the incident a matter for 
Bolivian and Venezuelan authorities. 
 
4. (C) The Brazilian Embassy told EmbOffs December 7 that 
Brazil simply granted the plane emergency landing to refuel, 
per a request from the Venezuelan Embassy in La Paz.  They 
claimed no Venezuelans were on board beyond the crew and that 
22 helicopter crew replacements had been off-loaded in La Paz 
prior to the incident. 
 
Lingering Opposition Suspicions 
------------------------------- 
 
5. (C) Opposition Senators Roger Pinto and Paulo Bravo 
canceled a meeting with us December 7 in order to catch an 
early-morning flight to Rio Branco with journalists.  They 
relayed through intermediary Javier Flores that some 
opposition leadership in Beni and Pando states originally 
thought the plane was incoming from Venezuela and therefore 
had the fuel needed to "escape" back to Venezuela after its 
hostile reception in Riberalta.  This prompted a flurry of 
phone calls from opposition leaders to convince Brazilian 
leadership to ground the plane and investigate its contents, 
including a call from Flores to the Brazilian Assistant 
Executive Defense Secretary and a call from Pinto to "the 
number two" at the Brazilian Presidential Palace (he would 
not specify who this was).  (Note: Lula advisor Marco Aurelio 
Garcia was in La Paz when this incident occurred in advance 
of Lula's planned visit December 16-17.  End Note.)  Flores 
said the plane's crew requested an emergency landing and 
landed without incident, but that two Brazilian fighter 
planes were en route to enforce the request in case they 
resisted.  According to a read-out from Senator Bravo at Rio 
Branco December 8, Flores said the Brazilians were not 
allowed to inspect the contents of the cargo under 
international law because it requested an emergency landing 
and was not forced to land.  Although the opposition has not 
pushed the issue publicly, Flores said the Brazilian 
"inspection" consisted of asking the Venezuelans what was on 
board.  He added a Bolivian plane came to pay for the 
Venezuelan plane's fuel with $30,000. 
 
6. (C) Brazilian Military Attach officers confirmed to 
Embassy DATT December 10 that the Venezuelans invoked the 
right to refuse inspection.  Although they did not look 
inside the boxes, the Brazilian DATT officers found the 
crates "suspicious."  According the Brazilian DATT officers, 
the Venezuelans confirmed the cargo was destined for 
Riberalta and Trinidad, per their original flight plan. 
Brazilian DATT Officers also said Venezuela has requested 
regular use of Rio Branco as a refueling stopover in the 
future out of concerns it cannot depend on use of airstrips 
in the Media Luna (eastern, opposition-dominated states). 
 
Did the Crew Drop Cargo? 
------------------------ 
 
7. (C) Flores also claimed that the crew dumped "most" of its 
cargo en route, a story repeated by other opposition sources. 
 He has since backed away from the statement, saying only 
that "it is possible" and that opposition sympathizers were 
combing the jungle along the probable flight path for 
evidence.  He said this could take many days and could be 
inconclusive.  An officer with the Brazilian Defense 
Attach's Office told us the plane arrived with "little 
cargo."  He confirmed Brazilian authorities were 
investigating the plane and said if cargo was dropped, it is 
likely on the Brazilian side. 
 
Bolivian/Venezuelan Govts Can't Get Story Straight 
--------------------------------------------- ----- 
 
8. (U) Many of details of the incident continue to be debated 
and contradicted.  Although the Brazilians eventually counted 
35 Venezuelans, Brazilian media reported 40 military officers 
were on board.  Although a Bolivian Air Force official 
claimed the craft was carrying 12 Venezuelan pilots and 
technical crew in additional to the C-130 crew, both the 
Bolivian and Venezuelan governments claimed December 7 that 
there were 22 Venezuelan helicopter pilots and technicians. 
 
9. (U) Brazilian media also cited unnamed Brazilian Police 
sources as verifying the plane was carrying arms destined for 
the Bolivian military.  Commander of the Army Freddy Bersatti 
said he only found out about the flight December 6, but that 
the plane was only returning to Venezuela and not carrying 
anything to the best of his knowledge.  The government had 
initially claimed the plane was carrying humanitarian 
assistance/medicine.  Presidency Minister (Chief of Staff) 
Juan Quintana later said it was carrying helicopter 
replacement parts and "some objects."  On December 7, the 
Venezuelan Embassy claimed the cargo was "electrical cables" 
and over the weekend government and Venezuelan Embassy 
sources claimed the plane was carrying "communications gear." 
 Although Minister of Public Works Jose Kinn admitted that 
the flight was "not regular," the Bolivian Air Force later 
claimed the flight request has made November 30 and approved 
December 3. 
 
BANDES Bagman Carrying Agreement, Not Cash 
------------------------------------------ 
 
10. (U) The opposition originally claimed Luis Klein Ferrer, 
the Venezuelan Development Bank (BANDES) official left behind 
in Riberalta, was carrying a briefcase with $827,000 in cash, 
ostensible to distribute for nefarious purposes.  Although 
opposition Senator Walter Guiteras (PODEMOS) repeated this 
claim, Beni Regional Police Commander Col. Miguel Angel 
Villarroel reported Klein was instead carrying an $870,000 
agreement to fund a nut cultivation project.  The government 
originally claimed Klein was depositing a check for $827,000 
in a local bank for the nut project, per normal BANDES 
business.  Villarroel reported Klein was driving away from 
the airport to meet with a local civic group to sign the 
agreement when a group of opposition supporters stopped the 
vehicle and began to interrogate and beat Klein.  Villarroel 
alleges he rescued Klein, brought him to the police station, 
and sent him out the back door to be escorted to safety by 
Bolivian military.  Bolivian Vice-Minister of Citizen 
Security Marcos Farfan accused the opposition of torturing 
and attempting to lynch Klein and praised the police for 
"saving the life of this Venezuelan official." 
 
11. (C) The Bolivian press has been scrutinizing the 
background of the BANDES official Luis Klein Ferrer based on 
his ties to Venezuelan military intelligence and role 
investigating possible conspiracy in the ranks.  Captain 
Klein was the Venezuelan Assistant Defense Attach in La Paz 
in 2006.  While ADATT, Klein was apparently so hostile to the 
U.S. that we complained to the Venezuelans.  Klein was 
eventually transferred to the Venezuelan Development Bank in 
La Paz. 
 
Spin Begins: Why Not Blame the U.S.? 
------------------------------------ 
 
12. (U) Bolivian, Venezuelan, and Cuban government officials 
are painting the incident as a savage attack on foreign 
citizens by an unreasonable opposition, and hinted that the 
U.S. is behind it all.  Evo Morales apologized to the 
Venezuelan government for the incident in a December 6 TV 
interview and implied that the aircraft attackers were 
working with others "from outside" (implying other opposition 
departments or even another country, i.e. the U.S.).  Morales 
promised to find and punish those responsible.  Vice-Minister 
of citizen Security Marcos Farfan said December 7 that the 
government had already identified the perpetrators and were 
preparing legal action against them. 
 
13. (U) Farfan said the citizens of Riberalta were always 
hospitable before, leading him to believe "these violent 
attitudes are generated by groups from outside the area." 
Bolivian Minister of the Presidency Juan Quintana blamed the 
opposition for "generating a climate of tension."  Government 
Minister Alfredo Rada accused opposition leaders and PODOMOS 
party head Jorge Tuto Quiroga of planning the confrontation 
to "create the image that the country is being invaded" and 
"encouraging an atmosphere of xenophobic hysteria against 
Venezuelan military officials."  Bolivian Vice-Minister of 
Citizen Security Marcos Farfan scolded protesters for 
endangering the Venezuelans and almost causing a "grave 
accident."  Cuban Ambassador Rafael Dauza chimed in, saying 
"the only thing they wanted was to refuel." 
 
14. (U) Bolivian press reported that Saul Ortega, Chairman of 
the International Affairs Committee for the Venezuelan 
National Assembly, said that 22 Venezuelans were attacked 
with projectiles on Bolivian soil when they were trying to 
board an plane belonging to the Venezuelan Armed Forces while 
providing help during a natural disaster.  Ortega accused 
Santa Cruz Prefect (governor) Ruben Costas for the attack, 
and characterized him as a lackey of the United States. 
"These are violent actions that have been perpetrated by the 
opponents of Evo Morales and, for this reason, are terrorist 
actions."  He asserted "these acts against Venezuelans" are 
financed by the U.S. and that "the opposition had received 
instruction from the U.S. Embassy and CIA" to carry them out. 
 Ortega stressed the "terrorist" attack put the crew and 
aircraft in mortal jeopardy and would ask the Bolivian 
government to guarantee the security of Venezuelan citizens. 
 
No Apologies from Obstinate Opposition 
-------------------------------------- 
 
15. (C) Opposition PODEMOS party leader Jorge Quiroga replied 
to government criticism December 9 by criticizing Brazilian 
President Inacio Lula da Silva's "disinterest and silence as 
planes with elite Venezuelan military enter (Bolivia), 
violating our national sovereignty and taking refuge" in Rio 
Branco.  Quiroga added he hoped the power of Chavez was not 
"of the magnitude that obliges Brazil to be a silent 
accomplice to what is occurring" in Bolivia.  Quiroga hopes 
Lula will raise with Evo concerns about Bolivia's democracy 
and Venezuelan intervention when he visits La Paz December 
16-17. 
 
16. (U) The Riberalta Civic Committee President is taking a 
hard line on the issue, telling press that they will not 
permit any more Venezuelan planes to land.  This position 
tracks with the November 29 announcement from Beni Prefect 
(governor) Ernesto Suarez that Venezuelan planes would not be 
allowed to land in Trinidad. (Note: There is a history of 
opposition accusations the Venezuelans are shipping in arms, 
perhaps destined for unofficial pro-government 
paramilitaries.  The opposition also complained about an 
early morning Beni stopover by Venezuelan President Hugo 
Chavez as an affront to Bolivian sovereignty reported in Ref 
B.  End Note.)  The Riberalta Civic Committee is also calling 
for the resignation of the Police Chief Villarroel for 
helping Klein escape before he could fully explain the 
motives for his trip. 
 
Senate: Troop Movements Violate Constitution 
------------------------------------------- 
 
17. (U) The opposition-controlled Bolivian Senate has asked 
Minister of Defense Walker San Miguel to explain why foreign 
troops (i.e. Venezuelan) are entering Bolivia without Senate 
approval, as required by the Constitution.  Responding to 
President Morales' December 6 apology for not consulting the 
Senate on foreign troop movements, opposition Senator Luis 
Vasques Villamor (PODEMOS) said, "The subject of apologizing 
to one or another is not relevant.  The President, despite 
his apology, is responsible for violating the Constitution." 
 
Comment: 
-------- 
 
18. (C) The opposition in the Media Luna is likely to follow 
the lead of Trinidad and Riberalta and adopt measures to 
prevent Venezuelan aircraft from landing at their airports. 
This would deny Morales a source of support and make a 
popular stand on the issue of Venezuelan "imperialism."  Such 
a move, however, would ratchet up the prospects for violent 
confrontations with the government.  This latest incident 
reflects the opposition's determination to try to put a stop 
to Venezuelan "interference" and illustrates the Bolivia 
Government's inability to exercise control over opposition 
dominated departments. 
 
19. (C) Comment Continued: Whether by design or incompetency, 
the government appears to be responding no better or 
consistently to this incident than the earlier Chavez 
stopover or Trinidad mystery crates incidents.  However, 
unlike prior middle of the night stopovers followed by days 
of "he said, she said" tit for tat between government and 
opposition leaders, a third party, Brazil, has negated 
opposition accusation of weapons transfers.  Unless the 
opposition can back up claims to the contrary, it may well 
end up looking unreasonable.  If there were in fact no arms, 
Evo may have lost an opportunity to invite the press to look 
in the plane and take the wind out of opposition criticisms. 
In any event, the government is on the defensive and remains 
vulnerable to the perception that Chavez is the one calling 
the shots.  Evo will have to be careful about how his 
government handles future Venezuelan flights or risk losing 
domestic, and possibly international, support.  End Comment. 
GOLDBERG