US embassy cable - 05TEGUCIGALPA151

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 000151 
 
SIPDIS 
 
FOR WHA/PDA (OHILTON), WHA/CEN 
 
E.O. 12958:  N/A 
TAGS: OIIP, PREL, KPAO, PGOV, KDEM, HO 
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION ON PRESIDENT BUSH'S INAUGURATION, JANUARY 
21, 2005 
 
 
1. Editorial in Tegucigalpa-based moderate daily "El Heraldo" on 
1/21, titled "Bush Once Again."  "Even though President Bush said 
yesterday during his second inauguration that he will continue 
with his `utmost goal to end tyranny in our world,' the strong 
demonstrations against him and the polls that demonstrate his low 
popularity show that a great proportion of American society has 
grown tired of his warlike administration." 
 
2. Editorial in Tegucigalpa-based liberal daily "La Tribuna" on 
1/21, entitled ""Second Term."  "The second term of President 
George W. Bush has begun.  The inauguration ceremony was 
characterized by multitudes celebrating the feat as well as 
opponents demonstrating in the streets of Washington, causing 
incidents and clashes with the police." 
 
"Several political experts said that the dichotomy in the streets 
near the Capitol reflected the polarization of American society 
during Bush's presidency." 
 
"Even though his speech addressed several subjects, there was no 
specific mention of Latin America.  However, there were some 
veiled threats directed to the Cuban regime." 
 
"In general terms, the Latin American press was cautious about 
the start of Bush's second term, even though there were very 
favorable comments in some countries, expecting a better and 
closer relationship with the U.S.  The opinions are diverse; some 
believe that during this term, Latin America will remain ignored 
while others think that Bush's firm commitment to democracy will 
be beneficial to the region." 
 
Pierce