Cablegate: Program Evaluation: Fy-2005 Rp: "Counterterrorism And

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

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 LIMA 004704

SIPDIS

STATE FOR ECA/PE/V/R/W (EWILKES-SCOTT, DKEFFER), INFO
WHA/PDA (SLEBENS), WHA/AND (JMONSERRATE)
NEW YORK FOR ECA/PE/V/C/N (DSHIRREFFS)

E.O.12958: N/A
TAGS: OEXC SCUL KPAO PE
SUBJECT: PROGRAM EVALUATION: FY-2005 RP: "COUNTERTERRORISM AND
INTERNATIONAL CRIME ISSUES" (November 15-December 3, 2004)
Peruvian IV Ismael Ruben VARGAS

1. DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVITY: The program was designed to
introduce participants to initiatives employed in the United
States to fight terrorism and international crime. Participants
traveled to three different regions of the country and focused on
topics including financial crime, border and cargo security, and
investigation and prosecution of alleged terrorists.

2. DATE, FISCAL YEAR AND QUARTER: November 15-December 3, 2004,
FY-2005; First Quarter.

3. MISSION PERFORMANCE PLAN THEME: MPP: International Crime
(Law Enforcement, Judicial Institutions).

4. RESULT/IMPACT: Excellent. This program allowed IV Vargas to
become more familiar with U.S. policy on security and the methods
used by the justice sectors to fight international crime issues.
IV Vargas was impressed by the U.S. citizens' willingness to
fight this invisible enemy. IV met U.S. and Latin American
officials, in the public and private sectors, who share the same
interest in these difficult issues and who willingly gave
information and criteria on how to confront this global threat.

5. AUDIENCE REACHED: Eighteen participants from thirteen
countries from Latin America.

At present, IV Vargas is an advisor to Peruvian Government
institutions and private organizations on security and counter-
narcotics issues. He mentioned that "the knowledge and
experiences obtained in the IV program gave him the tools to do a
better job" and is now reaching a small, but specialized,
audience.

6. OFFICER INTERPRETERS: IV Vargas commended the Escort/
Interpreters' professionalism, their patience, friendliness, and
great assistance during the whole program.

7. QUALITY OF SUPPORT FROM ECA: Program was funded with FY-05 IV
allocation. We thank PO Mr. Don Keffer and the Academy for
Educational Development for the excellent organization,
coordination, and for briefing our participant on every program
detail.

8. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PROGRAM:
-- Having met Latin American and U.S. colleagues interested in
the same issues, to exchange ideas, and share information on
their countries.
-- At the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Center for
Terrorism and Public Safety, Director Charles Strozier
addressed the visitors on his evaluation of the root causes
of the current brand of terrorism that has been directed
toward the U.S. and the West in general, and the successes and
failures of the current administration's war on terrorism.
-- The meeting at the Joint Terrorism Task Force (FBI and NYPD)
was one of the most comprehensive meetings of the whole program.
They discussed how different forces have worked together to
combat terrorism before and after the 9/11 attacks.
-- IV Vargas expressed warm compliments to the gracious hosts who
hosted a Thanksgiving dinner in Los Angeles.
-- On the cultural side, visiting Universal Studies in Los
Angeles and attending a Broadway show in New York were
outstanding.

SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT:

-- IV mentioned that the program held at Oklahoma City was
meager. The lecturer on terrorism in Latin America at the
Oklahoma City National Memorial did not have the fundamental
knowledge about terrorist groups in Peru and Colombia, mentioning
"those were rebel groups for liberation." IV Vargas did not
agree with this statement and spoke up, expressing his
disagreement.
-- Vargas thought that the Oklahoma City National Memorial
reflected the insanity of terrorism. But, in the IV's opinion,
"The memory of the victims should be respected," and he
questioned whether it is necessary to have a shop in the museum
selling replicas of objects from the victims, or `souvenirs' of
the terrorist attacks. IV believes that this offends the memory
of the victims. "With things like this someone is taking
advantage of other's sorrow. If funds are needed, I think that
in the U.S. there are thousands of ways to raise them."
-- For further information programs, IV suggests shortening some
of the visits, like the one to San Diego, CA, and prioritizing
the experts' lectures.

9. LONG-TERM RESULTS: IV Vargas has an ongoing network with the
other Latin American participants, sharing information on
counternarcotics and crime issues, especially with the
participant from Colombia, who is an expert in drug issues.

Mr. Vargas feels that Peruvian law enforcement would benefit from
understanding the new ideology of international terrorists, and
that everybody should be involved to combat terrorism, i.e. the
government, the armed forces and average citizens.

10. COMMENTS:
-- Officers in Lima and in Washington, D.C. were forthcoming,
courteous, and receptive when briefing the IV thoroughly in every
program detail.
STRUBLE

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