Cablegate: New Horizons a Success

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RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHPE #4246 3041952
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 311952Z OCT 06
FM AMEMBASSY LIMA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 2860
INFO RUEHBO/AMEMBASSY BOGOTA 4043
RUEHBR/AMEMBASSY BRASILIA 7039
RUEHCV/AMEMBASSY CARACAS 9854
RUEHLP/AMEMBASSY LA PAZ OCT QUITO 0769
RUEHSG/AMEMBASSY SANTIAGO 0923
RUMIAAA/CDR USCINCSO MIAMI FL

UNCLAS LIMA 004246

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PINR PHUM VE PE
SUBJECT: NEW HORIZONS A SUCCESS

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Summary:
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1. Ambassador Struble traveled on 9/15 with government
Ministers, Congresspersons and local leaders to close the
bilateral New Horizons Humanitarian Exercises in Lambayeque
Province. The group visited a medical readiness site, a
school, and a well drilling project, all built compliments of
New Horizons. National and local officials were pleased with
the projects and the visit generated favorable publicity.
Peru's MOD expressed an interest in having the Peruvian
military acquire similar social work capabilities. End
Summary.

2. Ambassador Struble traveled to Chiclayo in Lambayeque
Province with the Minister of Defense (MOD) Alan Tizon
Wagner, Chief of the Joint Command General Jose Williams
Zapata, Minister of Health (MOH) Carlos Vallejo. Commanding
General of the Peruvian Army Cesar Reinoso joined the
Ambassador in Lambayeque. The group visited selected New
Horizons sites, generating favorable press and underscoring
the value of U.S. assistance.

3. After the closing ceremony in Chiclayo, the AMB and his
invitees departed by Blackhawk helicopter to visit select
project sites, where local mayors greeted them. The sites
visited were:

--A U.S. Navy-run Medical Readiness Exercise (MEDRETE) in
Morrope, which was treating approximately 1,500
poverty-stricken civilians per day for a variety of
illnesses. AMB did an on-site interview via cell phone with
Peru Radio Programs (RPP) anchorman, Raul Vargas.

--A two-room school built in Hornitos during the exercise.
AMB and the MOD inaugurated the school. A substantial local
crowd held up signs thanking the United States and the GOP
and gave handmade gifts to the AMB and MOD.

--A site containing one of three water wells provided by New
Horizons. Again, a large crowd welcomed the USG and the GOP
with signs thanking the United States for the Embassy's help
in obtaining water for their village. While the drilling
operation went on, a gusher of water spewed forth from the
well. Locals cheered and clapped.

4. The group finished by attending a lunch in Chiclayo,
which featured press interviews and an exchange of highly
favorable comments about the value of the humanitarian
assistance.

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Comment:
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5. MOD reps were particularly impressed with the
well-drilling site. One of President Garcia,s campaign
promises was, "Water for all," and this activity addressed
that issue. MOD Wagner told the Ambassador that he would
like the Peruvian military to do more humanitarian
assistance.

6. The visit was well-received, provided an effective
demonstration of USG humanitarian assistance and underscored
our close partnership with the Peruvian military and elected
representatives from Lambayeque.
POWERS

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