US embassy cable - 05TEGUCIGALPA1039

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 001039 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT. FOR WHA/PD; IIP/G/WHA DIPASQUALE; AND IIP/T/ES 
DEPT. FOR EB/TPP DCLUNE, WHA/EPSC AND WHA/CEN 
DEPT. PASS USTR 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OIIP, KPAO, ETRD, HO, USTR 
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION ON CAFTA, MAY 16, 2005 
 
 
1. On 05/16 the Tegucigalpa-based liberal daily "La Tribuna" 
published an op-ed by Gautama Fonseca entitled "Our 
productive capacity and CAFTA."  "A lot of people don't know 
about the Central American Economic Integration because it 
has been handled behind closed doors, the same reason why 
only the Economic ministries of the governments of the 
region and some private businesses have participated in it." 
 
"It took place in Guatemala in the `60s while discussing the 
treatment for some `sensitive' products." 
 
"Guatemala refused to recognize the origin of Salvadoran 
spark plugs. El Salvador did the same with Guatemalan 
tires." 
 
"As a consequence, both delegations discussed their 
differences extensively and intensively until they resolved 
to put it to an end. They became celebrities in the 
Integration." 
 
"Both countries described the reality of the majority of the 
so-called Central American industries and the truth finally 
surfaced after being hidden due to pressures from the 
private sector." 
 
"These men are so special that they are sure that with CAFTA 
the democracy and liberty will be brought back to life in 
Central America. But, as they should have known, neither of 
them exists because there has been no interest in giving 
them life." 
 
Palmer