US embassy cable - 05SANSALVADOR3439

C O N F I D E N T I A L SAN SALVADOR 003439 
 
SIPDIS 
 
FOR SECRETARY DEPUTY SECRETARY AND NSA HADLEY FROM THE 
AMBASSADOR 
STATE PASS USTR FOR RVARGO 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/07/2015 
TAGS: ES, ETRD, PREL, CAFTA 
SUBJECT: CAFTA-DR ENTRY INTO FORCE DATE 
 
 
Classified By: Ambassador H. Douglas Barclay. Reason:  1.4 (d) 
 
 1. (C) I think it is critical that El Salvador's successful 
efforts to meet CAFTA-DR requirements be recognized by 
entry-into-force of the agreement on January 1.  Observing 
this deadline will acknowledge the efforts of the Saca 
Government (as well as neighboring governments who cross the 
finish line) to complete preparations for CAFTA, while 
maintaining momentum for the President's free-trade program 
here in the region and elsewhere in the Americas.  We should 
use the offer of a certain January 1 entry into force date to 
secure commitments on final outstanding issues but not let 
technical details get in the way of our larger goals.  Just 
as we ask for El Salvador to show leadership in making the 
changes important for CAFTA, so should the United States 
continue to show the leadership that is so important now. 
January 1 entry into force would have the specific advantage 
of forcing other CAFTA signatories to accelerate and complete 
legislation that ensures compliance with their commitments 
under the treaty.  They will not want to be on the outside 
looking in. 
 
2. (C) Saca's El Salvador is a beacon of pro-Americanism in a 
region vulnerable to internal and external pressures contrary 
to U.S. interests.  His outspoken support of the FTAA concept 
and El Salvador's contribution of troops to Iraq have been of 
great importance to us.  The principal concrete benefit to El 
Salvador of Saca's support for US policy has been the trade 
benefits of CAFTA.  We would be making a mistake by delaying 
these benefits just as the friendliest government in the 
region launches its campaign for the March 2006 elections. 
Barclay