The Political Section’s primary responsibility is to keep the Department of State informed regarding the current political situation in El Salvador, and to advance bilateral foreign policy goals.

Political Officers analyze political developments and their potential impact on U.S. interests; promote adoption by the host country of foreign policy decisions in support of U.S. interests; and advise U.S. business executives on the local political climate.

In addition, the section follows closely democracy and rule of law issues, including extradition, human rights, labor rights, trafficking in persons, and anti-narcotics cooperation.

Political Section Staff:

Annie Pforzheimer, Political Counselor, graduated from Harvard in 1986 with a degree in history. She joined the Foreign Service in 1989. She has served in Colombia, South Africa, and Turkey.

Philip Thompson, Deputy Political Counselor, received his Bachelor of Science in Botany from Fulbright College, University of Arkansas, followed by graduate study in Arctic and alpine Biology at Finland’s Helsinki University and the University of Colorado at Boulder. He joined the Foreign Service in 1993; he has served in Seoul, and Santiago de Chile.

Elizabeth Harris, Political Officer, graduated from American University in 1998 with a degree in International Relations. In 2000, she got a Master of Arts in Latin American Studies, with a specialization in the politics and history of El Salvador. She joined the Foreign Service in 2002.

Executive Branch:
www.casapres.gob.sv

Judicial Branch:
www.csj.gob.sv

Legislative Branch:
www.asamblea.gob.sv