US embassy cable - 05TEGUCIGALPA1555

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 001555 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT. FOR WHA/PD; IIP/G/WHA DIPASQUALE; AND IIP/T/ES 
DEPT. FOR PM AND EB/TRA 
DEPT. FOR WHA/EPSC, WHA/PPC AND WHA/CEN 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OIIP, KPAO, PGOV, MASS, EAID, HO 
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION ON DEBT FORGIVENESS, JULY 27, 2005 
 
 
1. On 07/27 the Tegucigalpa-based liberal daily, "La 
Tribuna," published an op-ed by Gustavo Adolfo Aguilar, 
former UNAH professor and member of AUNA (Unity for our 
America Association) entitled "Debt Forgiveness and the 
Fight against Poverty."  "Only recently, and with the help 
of the World Bank and the United Nations, has poverty been 
talked about as our society's fundamental problem." 
 
"This issue's increasing importance does not only address 
the noble task of developing and improving the life of the 
people, but it is also, for less altruistic reasons, the 
focus of political discussion for those who govern and those 
who wish to govern in the future." 
 
"The conceptual and operational deficit caused by poverty 
leads to the implementation of plans and programs that only 
disguises it, such as the promotion of informal economy." 
 
"Poverty in Honduras is an alarming reality, as it maintains 
its presence in current economic and political conditions." 
 
"If we are unable to pay off our debt, where will we find 
those billions of lempiras that the government says will be 
used in the Poverty Reduction Strategy?" 
 
"We will continue to analyze the subject." 
2. Op-ed by Rafael Andino Delgado Elvir in San Pedro Sula- 
based liberal daily "La Prensa" entitled "Covering Social 
Debt."  "The discussion has started and it was expected to 
happen because it is a historical moment. A lot of years of 
discussion and peoples' sacrifice had to pass. It is 
possibly a little late, but it is welcomed by those who see 
every day as a challenge to survive." 
 
" There is no doubt debt forgiveness won't solve all the 
problems." 
 
"Another problem is the assigning of funds. We hope that 
proposals are abundant and that the government and social 
institutions work efficiently in to meet the most urgent 
needs." 
 
"Finally, I have to point out the problem with resource 
management. We think it is necessary to include everybody in 
this process and watch over the investment of these valuable 
funds. So that this debt forgiveness doesn't become the 
usual party of the greedy." 
 
3. Op-ed by Tulio Mariano Gonzales Garcia in San Pedro Sula- 
based liberal daily "Tiempo" titled "Pinata."  "Hondurans 
are really different, with all this debt forgiveness and the 
availability of next year's four billion lempiras, now that 
`experts' have arose suggesting how the relief should be 
invested." 
 
"Spokespersons from civil society, which nobody nominated 
them as such, are the most willing to give out suggestions 
and make recommendations." 
 
"Trust in Porfirio Lobo is evident, who as a creative, 
intelligent and capable politician, knows the necessary 
strategies that will ensure that the debt forgiveness and 
Millennium Challenge funds are invested properly and there 
will be no room for `pinatas' or free for all." 
 
Tuebner