US embassy cable - 05ASUNCION399

UNCLAS ASUNCION 000399 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE PLEASE PASS TO USAID LAC/AA 
NSC FOR KIMBERLY BREIER 
SOUTHCOM FOR POLAD DAN JOHNSON 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV, PREL, PINR, SNAR, KCRM, PA 
SUBJECT: PARAGUAY: DEMONSTRATORS AND PRESIDENTIAL SECURITY 
CLASH IN PEDRO JUAN CABALLERO 
 
REF: ASUNCION 00352 
 
1. On 3/21, President Duarte's security detachment clashed 
with demonstrators in Pedro Juan Caballero while Duarte met 
with Governor of Amambay Department Robert Acevedo and a 
group of mayors and civic leaders.  According to press 
reports, four people were arrested and several injured in the 
confrontation, which apparently ensued when demonstrators 
attempted to push past a security cordon. 
 
2. In addition to local concerns, such as land for campesino 
farmers and environmental issues, the demonstrators 
reportedly protested the presence of U.S. personnel in the 
region, asserting that a new National Counterdrug Secretariat 
(SENAD) office being constructed with Andean Counterdrug 
Initiative funds is going to serve as a U.S. military base. 
Some observers maintain that a political dispute between 
Acevedo, who hails from the opposition Liberal (PLRA) party 
but supports Duarte's anti-corruption efforts, and another 
PLRA faction was also at play.  Acevedo told the press he 
appreciated Duarte's visit and support. 
 
3. Comment: Pedro Juan Caballero is known for its drug 
trafficking and official corruption.  Governor Acevedo is an 
outspoken critic of such illicit activity, and an avid 
supporter of U.S. programs in the region.  Ambassador just 
met with him last week.  Local organizations staged similar 
demonstrations when EmbOffs and a visiting INL program 
director traveled to Pedro Juan Caballero in early March to 
meet with Acevedo and visit the site of the new SENAD office 
(reftel).  In the face of this week's demonstrations, Acevedo 
reiterated his support for Duarte's anti-corruption efforts 
and GOP programs in the region. 
KEANE