US embassy cable - 04TEGUCIGALPA2777

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 002777 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DS/ER/CC, DS/IP/WHA-MFLYNN, DS/ITA-KHALL, WHA/CEN 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ASEC, KSAC, HO, PGOV 
SUBJECT: STUDENT DEMONSTRATIONS 
 
1. Summary. Over the last several days student demonstrations 
have been taking place outside the public university in 
Tegucigalpa.  The Government of Honduras (GOH) has threatened 
to close down the university for a year because of corruption 
in the awarding of degrees and student demonstrations.  These 
demonstrations have not turned violent but tires have been 
burned in the street and traffic has been interrupted outside 
the main entrance to the university, which is located on the 
east side of town.  End Summary. 
 
2. Over the last few days students have been demonstrating 
over the GOH threats to close down the National University of 
Honduras (UNAH).  On Friday, December 10, the road outside 
UNAH, a main highway, was stopped to vehicle traffic for over 
two hours with burning tires and angry students.  The 
students planned to march to the National Congress but that 
did not materialize.  RSO sources reported that these 
demonstrations, along with marches to the National Congress, 
would continue for the week of December 13-17. 
 
3. December 13, at approximately 1100 hours, students staging 
a rally outside the National Congress were tear-gassed by 
anti-riot police.  It appeared that the crowd, estimated at 
3,000 participants, were pushing up against the anti-riot 
unit stationed outside the building.  When the tear gas was 
disbursed the crowd departed the area and it appeared the 
demonstration was over for the day.  As of 1410 hours, RSO 
source informed the security office that students, whose 
numbers are estimated at 700 plus, were returning to the 
National Congress area armed with sticks and rocks.  It has 
been reported that additional police elements are preparing 
to reinforce the anti-riot police. 
 
4. At this time, no violence or injuries have been reported. 
RSO has been advising embassy employees of the changing 
situation and assisting motor pool to avoid the effected 
area.  The demonstrations have in no way been targeted at the 
USG. 
Pierce