Cablegate: Tfizo1: Anti-War Protest Outside Embassy Smaller

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 000754

SIPDIS

STATE FOR TFIZ, WHA, WHA/CEN, WHA/PPC, AND DS/OP/WHA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL SOCI IZ HO
SUBJECT: TFIZO1: ANTI-WAR PROTEST OUTSIDE EMBASSY SMALLER
THAN EXPECTED IN HONDURAS

REF: TEGUCIGALPA 425

1. On March 24, from about 3:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., a
demonstration against the war in Iraq took place outside the
Embassy. The event was organized by Carlos Reyes, President
of the Popular Block, an anti-U.S. leftist organization.
Participating in the demonstration were other like-minded
organizations, all of whom have taken part in past anti-U.S.
protests (reftel). Post initially expected up to 1,000
protesters, but at most only 300 demonstrators participated.
While Reyes had contacted many other organizations, including
labor unions, in an effort to expand turn-out, attendance was
limited to past protest groups.

2. Two protesters threw paint at a USG facility and one
painted a slogan before police moved in to protect the
property. Also, several U.S. flags were burned and three
other men "launched" about ten loud fireworks. The
demonstration ended peacefully when the crowd moved on to the
Spanish Embassy. Police presence was adequate to ensure the
protection of USG property and personnel.

3. COMMENT: Despite its opposition to the war in Iraq, the
Liberal Party avoided any involvement in the demonstration.
One leader said "we are anti-war, not anti-U.S." END COMMENT
Palmer

© Scoop Media