US embassy cable - 04TEGUCIGALPA925

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 000925 
 
SIPDIS 
 
FOR WHA/PDA, IIP/G/WHA, IIP/T/ES, AND WHA/CEN 
FOR PM, WHA/PPC, AND NEA/NGA 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OIIP, PREL, KPAO, PGOV, MOPS, HO 
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION ON IRAQ, APRIL 21, 2004 
 
 
1. Editorial in Tegucigalpa-based liberal daily "La Tribuna" 
on 4/21 entitled "Retreat"  "The announced return of our 
troops has only confirmed a decision taken by President 
Maduro almost a month ago that he wouldn't request to 
Congress an extension to authorize the presence of 
additional Honduran troops in Iraq." 
 
"Maduro's decision, which has been well received by the 
Honduran people, shouldn't upset any other member of the 
coalition.  Neither should it change the good relationship 
between Honduras and the U.S., as it was confirmed by 
Ambassador Palmer." 
 
"Anyway, there's not much to rebuild in Iraq now, since most 
of the troops can't leave their bases to avoid any clashes 
with Iraqi insurgents.  The `peace' mission we were told we 
would carry out has now become a very dangerous one." 
 
"Considering such circumstances, there's still danger for 
our troops as long as they remain in Iraq.  There's no doubt 
that our soldiers and their relatives will be very happy 
when they finally hear the trumpet for their final retreat." 
 
2. Editorial in Tegucigalpa-based moderate daily "El 
Heraldo" on 4/21 entitled "Rectification"  "Even though 
President Maduro said that the Honduran troops will return 
from Iraq `as soon as possible' actually means about `six to 
eight weeks' according to Minister of Defense Federico 
Breve, the decision to bring back our soldiers has fixed a 
mistake and brings tranquility to the troops, and to their 
relatives." 
 
"Beyond the legal and moral objections to the war, invasion, 
and occupation in Iraq, the presence of Honduran troops has 
caused distress and uncertainty because the U.S. and its 
helpers haven't been able to earn the trust of the Iraqis, 
who see them as foreign enemies violating their sovereignty, 
not as their `saviors'." 
 
"We have enough social, economic and political problems to 
stick our nose in the business of others.  We're glad 
President Maduro has finally understood this message." 
 
3. Editorial in San Pedro Sula-based liberal daily "La 
Prensa" on 4/21 entitled "The return"  "The announcement of 
President Maduro came as a result of the aggravation of the 
situation in Iraq, as well as the declaration of the new 
Spanish President of the immediate withdrawal of their 
troops." 
 
"We hope the Honduran soldiers return in a short term, 
because even though President Maduro said they will return 
`as soon as possible', he was also referring to his previous 
intention of not requesting an authorization from Congress 
to extend the presence of our troops.  We expect that the 
coordination of the transportation from Iraq, which may be 
one of the main obstacles for their return, is done in 
relation to the safety and well-being of the troops." 
 
Palmer