VZCZCXYZ0024
RR RUEHWEB
DE RUEHSG #0412 1261909
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 051909Z MAY 08
FM AMEMBASSY SANTIAGO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 3210
INFO RUEHUB/USINT HAVANA 0102
UNCLAS SANTIAGO 000412
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR WHA/CCA, WHA/BSC
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KDEM PHUM PREL CU CI
SUBJECT: MAY 21: DAY OF SOLIDARITY WITH THE CUBAN PEOPLE
REFTEL: A) STATE 46997
B) STATE 45792
1. (U) In response to reftel requests, Post provides the following
initial plans for promoting Cuba Solidarity Day in Chile:
--DVC with senior USG officials and Chilean print media to highlight
Cuba Solidarity Day and increase awareness in Chile about the plight
of Cuba's prisoners of conscience and drum up support for democracy
in Cuba. (Note: WHA A/S Shannon's DVC on Cuba with Chilean
journalists in 2006 generated considerable media coverage in Chile.
Secretary Gutierrez also would be a major draw in Santiago, if
available.);
--Host on the Embassy's radio show (broadcasted on over 100 Chilean
radio stations throughout the country) Chilean NGO and/or academic
figures to discuss the political situation in Cuba;
-- Provide Chilean opinion makers and media contacts an information
packet on Cuba Solidarity Day; and,
--Post on the Embassy website U.S.-based events and activities in
support of Cuba Solidarity Day.
2. (SBU) One well-placed Foreign Ministry official told Poloff on
May 5 that the Chilean government presently is not planning to
promote Cuba Solidarity Day.
3. (U) Post will look for additional opportunities between now and
May 21 to engage GOC officials and others to promote Cuba Solidarity
day, as appropriate. (Note: May 21 is a national holiday in Chile.
Therefore, Post will undertake any activities in support of Cuba
Solidarity Day before then.)
SIMONS