Cablegate: Portillo Pledges Unconditional Support In

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS GUATEMALA 000708

SIPDIS

HARARE FOR BRUCE WHARTON

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV PINR IZ GT
SUBJECT: PORTILLO PLEDGES UNCONDITIONAL SUPPORT IN
DIFFICULT TIMES

1. (SBU) President Alfonso Portillo sent the Ambassador a
letter (text below) on March 17 expressing consideration for
the difficult situation facing the U.S. and offering
Portillo's personal unconditional support for the Ambassador
and Embassy staff. Written without explicit reference to
Iraq, we interpret the letter to offer GOG cooperation to
ensure the safety of U.S. mission employees in Guatemala,
should it be necessary. SepTel discusses Portillo's
conversation in which he told the Ambassador Guatemala would
issue a specific statement of support on Iraq. In that
conversation, Portillo said he had sent President Bush a
letter similar to the March 17 letter to the Ambassador.

2. (U) Text of Letter: Dear Ambassador:

I am very aware of the difficult moment facing the world, and
the heavy and historic responsibility that the United States
of America has shouldered. We are all gravely concerned but
we have faith in God that all will pass according to your
plans.

As President of the Republic and as a citizen, I offer my
services in any instance in which I can be useful. Above all
I would like you to know that you will have my unconditional
support for anything you or your staff require.

With faith in God, I hope we do not arrive at a situation of
insecurity in Guatemala, but regardless, I pledge the
unconditional support of my Government for you and your staff.

Sincerely,

Alfonso Portillo.

End Text.
HAMILTON

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