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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