Cablegate: Media Reaction On Unchr Resolution On Human Rights
This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 000787
SIPDIS
STATE FOR WHA, WHA/PD, WHA/CCA, WHA/PPC, AND WHA/CEN
STATE FOR DRL, DRL/MLA, IO, INR, AND IIP/G/WHA
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OIIP KPAO PHUM PREL KDEM CU HO CHR
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION ON UNCHR RESOLUTION ON HUMAN RIGHTS
IN CUBA, APRIL 2, 2004
1. Editorial in Tegucigalpa-based moderate daily "El
Heraldo" on 3/31 entitled "Let it not be true". "We hope
that the claims of the Cuban government that Honduras has
been designated by the U.S. to table a resolution to condemn
Cuba for human rights violations isn't true. We hope the
Honduran government doesn't do the dirty work that no one
else wants to do."
"It isn't just about the appreciation of Hondurans for the
disinterested solidarity we've received from Cuba. It's
just not fair that Honduras should be exposed once again to
the international community as a servant of the U.S. We've
already done too much by sending our troops to occupy Iraq
with our own money, while we're still living in so much
poverty."
"No Honduran would want to see our Ambassador in Geneva
acting as an aggressor for hire. We've already gone through
so much embarrassment in the past, as a result of the
submissiveness of our authorities to the great empire."
2. Editorial in San Pedro Sula-based liberal daily "Tiempo"
on 4/1 entitled "Rumors". "There is a rumor that the U.S.
government has requested that Honduras sponsor a resolution
condemning Cuba in the upcoming meeting of the U.N.
Commission for Human Rights. Up to this moment, the
Honduran government hasn't said anything on this matter,
neither has the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa, but we feel
something will happen shortly."
"We don't think the government of President Maduro and the
Nationalist Party will be able to undertake such a
dishonorable task, no matter how valid or legitimate the
grounds of that resolution might be. We believe there are
limits to which a country like Honduras can serve the U.S.
interests. We still think Hondurans have the highest sense
of patriotism, dignity, and honor."
Note: President Maduro's nationally televised press
conference was broadcasted on March 31 at night after the
news cycle had ended and the paper had been sent for
printing and distribution. End note.
Palmer