Ambassador Zamora does what ambassadors are supposed to do

Washington College, March 2014

Ruben Zamora, El Salvador's Ambassador to the United States, articulates his country's goals under the incoming administration of Salvador Sanchez Ceren in Making the transition from guerrilla to president.

Basically, he does what ambassadors are supposed to do.

He highlights his country's progress over the last two decades ("election that reflected the maturity of our democracy and the progress of our society since the end of the civil war in 1992").

He highlights progress during the current FMLN administration ("to continue the policies started by president Mauricio Funes in 2009, particularly our emphasis on social measures to alleviate poverty, and incorporate our citizens in the global workforce").

And he emphasizes the incoming government's desire to build and expand upon that progress over the next five years by working with all sectors of society, including the private sector, and with the United States.

Ambassador Zamora sidestepped concerns about the controversial election outcome, ARENA's heated rhetoric in calling on the military to defend their victory, differences over the Public Private Partnership Law and, perhaps even, the second Millennium Challenge Compact. He sidestepped concerns over the future of the gang truce and challenges related to drug trafficking and organized crime. 

Not (too) much to criticize. 

These are not really criticisms but I do wonder whether the statements made by Ambassador Zamora would have had more meaning had they come directly from President-elect Salvador Sanchez Ceren. The Ambassador is a really bright guy, well-respected internationally. We know where he stands. However, we want to hear directly from the President-elect himself - not based off a conversation with him.

I also think that the Ambassador could have done a better job tying this op-ed together with his 2013 Miami Herald op-ed where he discussed a common ground for partnership between the US and El Salvador. "Partners" is the last word in this op-ed but it could have been more of a frame emphasizing the continuity.