Release: U.S. activists to attend historic June 1 presidential inauguration
MEDIA ADVISORY
May 28, 2009 - Contact CISPES: 202 521-2510, [email protected]
U.S. solidarity activists, Salvadoran-Americans to attend historic June 1 presidential inauguration in El Salvador
Mauricio Funes, first leftist president in nation's history, to be inaugurated with foreign heads of state, Secretary of State Clinton in attendance
Attendees available for interviews from El Salvador on inauguration day
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Several members of CISPES (Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador) will be in attendance for the inauguration of El Salvador's first-ever leftist president, Mauricio Funes, on Monday, June 1st. These representatives, including Salvadoran-American community leaders, will be available for interviews in both English and Spanish on inauguration day and in the following days.
The historic nature of Funes' election is adding to the international attention being afforded his inauguration. CISPES representatives will join heads of state and other international dignitaries in witnessing the first peaceful transfer of power between two distinct political tendencies in Salvadoran history. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is expected to attend the event. She and President Barack Obama previously met with President-elect Funes at the Summit of Americas in Trinidad and Tobago in April.
Funes, a former television journalist who campaigned on a platform of change, hope and support for El Salvador's poor and disenfranchised majority, will inherit a nation seeking a break from 20 years of far-right government under the ARENA party, a staunch Bush administration ally. The new president will be challenged with an economy hit particularly hard by the current economic crisis, due in part to its reliance upon trade, migration, and investment ties with the United States. In recent months, under the current ARENA administration, key ministries have been unable to carry out their basic functions due to budget shortfalls.
For interviews with CISPES representatives in San Salvador on inauguration day:
Alexis Stoumbelis: 011-503-7624-5442 (English)
Celina Benitez: 011-503-7105-9207 (Spanish)
In the U.S. contact Elizabeth Vel�zquez at 202 521-2510
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"I am a CISPES supporter because continuing to fight for social justice and a more people-centered country means continuing the dream and sacrifice of thousands of my fellow Salvadorans who died for that vision.” - Padre Carlos, New York City
