US embassy cable - 04TEGUCIGALPA1437

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 001437 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR WHA, WHA/CEN, INR, AND PM 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PBTS, PREL, MOPS, ES, HO 
SUBJECT: OAS ENVOY JOHN GATES TO ISSUE HONDURAS/EL SALVADOR 
BORDER DEMARCATION PROCESS 
 
 
1. On June 20, OAS envoy, National Geospacial-Intelligence 
Agency (NGA) Specialist, John Gates completed his survey of 
the six disputed land border areas between Honduras and El 
Salvador.  Gates, who began the project on August 18, 2003, 
was tasked (as an honest broker), with assisting Honduras and 
El Salvador to mark their respective border areas as directed 
by the September 11, 1992, International Court of Justice 
(ICJ) decision demarcating the border between Honduras and El 
Salvador.  Both Honduras and El Salvador have agreed to abide 
by all decisions made by Gates and, apart from a November 11, 
2003, decision to award El Salvador approximately one square 
kilometer of territory due to a technical error in the 
original ICJ decision, Gates has not deviated from the ICJ's 
determinations. 
 
2. Mr. Gates is expected to deliver his findings to the OAS 
by August 12.  The OAS will then prepare a final report, 
based on Gates' input, that will be presented to both 
Honduras and El Salvador sometime in October.  This report 
will form the basis of a legally binding document, to be 
signed by both countries, to finally complete the border 
demarcation process. 
 
3. Comment:  The Government of Honduras (GOH) is anxious to 
conclude the demarcation process a soon as possible.  In the 
past, GOH angst over perceived Government of El Salvador 
foot-dragging on demarcating the respective border region has 
caused some friction in the bilateral relationship.  With all 
technical and legal barriers expected to be completed this 
year, the GOH hopes the actual border marking process can be 
entirely completed sometime in 2005.  End Comment. 
 
 
Palmer