US embassy cable - 05ASUNCION547

UNCLAS ASUNCION 000547 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE WHA/BSC AND OAS 
NSC FOR KIM BREIER 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KDEM, PREL, PA 
SUBJECT: PARAGUAY SUPPORTS U.S. ELECTION STANDARDS 
INITIATIVE 
 
REF: A. STATE 71948 
 
     B. ASUNCION 514 
     C. STATE 66782 
 
1.  On 4/21, Ambassador drew from reftel A in meeting with FM 
Rachid appealing for GOP support for the U.S. Election 
Standards Initiative.  The OAS has demonstrated a strong 
commitment to free and fair elections; Paraguay's own 
performance with regard to the integrity of its Electoral 
Tribunal and the wider adoption of electronic voting serves 
as a model for others.  Rachid conveyed strong GOP support 
for the U.S. election initiative and a readiness to work with 
us in further developing this concept at the upcoming meeting 
in Chile. 
 
2.  In connection to the Ministerial Declaration for this 
meeting, Rachid passed Ambassador a paper outlining proposed 
changes that would draw attention to the importance of human 
rights and development to the advancement of democracy.  Post 
has faxed these proposed changes to the Department/DRL for 
its consideration. 
 
3.  On 4/22, DCM met with the President of Paraguay's 
election commission (Tribunal Superior de Justicia Electoral, 
or TSJE), Rafael Dendia, to discuss the U.S. election 
initiative and solicit TSJE support.  DCM also drew from 
reftel A, explaining that Paraguay is well positioned to 
advocate for election standards for the Americas, and that 
Members of the TSJE could play a key role on a future panel 
of experts.  He suggested the TSJE discuss the issue with the 
MFA and possibly offer its expertise.  Dendia said the 
initiative was "an excellent idea," and that the TSJE "would 
support it 100 percent."  He said he will seek an appointment 
with the MFA next week to discuss Paraguay's potential role. 
KEANE