US embassy cable - 04GUATEMALA3265

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CASA ALIANZA IN GUATEMALA

Identifier: 04GUATEMALA3265
Wikileaks: View 04GUATEMALA3265 at Wikileaks.org
Origin: Embassy Guatemala
Created: 2004-12-23 20:24:00
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Tags: KCRM KWMN PHUM SMIG EAID SNAR GT
Redacted: This cable was not redacted by Wikileaks.
This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.


 
UNCLAS GUATEMALA 003265 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR G/TIP 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KCRM, KWMN, PHUM, SMIG, EAID, SNAR, GT 
SUBJECT: CASA ALIANZA IN GUATEMALA 
 
REF: A. STATE 269517 
 
     B. GUATEMALA 2845 
 
1. We strongly support the work of Casa Alianza's Guatemalan 
operation and are pleased that their work continues unabated 
in light of the issues raised in ref (A).  As we reported in 
the ref (B) Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Update, Casa Alianza 
is a critical component of Guatemala's anti-TIP activities. 
The National Civilian Police (PNC) depend on Casa Alianza's 
intelligence to conduct raids and on Casa Alianza's shelter 
facilities to care for rescued victims.  No other 
organization is willing or able to fill Casa Alianza's role 
in Guatemala. 
 
2. We maintain an on-going relationship with Casa Alianza 
Guatemala.  Both in the immediate aftermath of the Bruce 
Harris crisis and over the past week, we discussed the issue 
with local director Arturo Echevarria and other Casa Alianza 
staff.  They noted that many of their contacts called to 
express support rather than concern immediately following the 
news of the Bruce Harris case.  Press coverage of the case 
here focused on Harris as an individual rather than on Casa 
Alianza as an institution.  Although reactions here have not 
harmed the reputation of the local institution, staff fear 
that the case will adversely affect fundraising in the United 
States, the major source of Casa Alianza Guatemala's 
resources. 
 
3. Local staff confirm that there are no allegations of 
similar misconduct against any Casa Alianza Guatemala 
employee.  The institution has a strict prohibition on 
non-professional relationships between staff and clients, and 
this policy was reviewed and reaffirmed by all employees 
following the Harris case. 
HAMILTON 

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