Cablegate: Media Reaction - Chavez and Latin America

VZCZCXYZ0021
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHSG #2528 3411303
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 071303Z DEC 06
FM AMEMBASSY SANTIAGO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0508
INFO RUEHCV/AMEMBASSY CARACAS 1194

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 002528

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR IIP/G/WHA, INR/R/MR, WHA/BSC, WHA/PDA, INR/IAA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPRC KMDR KPAO PGOV PREL VE CI
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION - CHAVEZ AND LATIN AMERICA

On December 5, conservative, afternoon "La Segunda" (circ. 33,000,
12/5) carried an editorial entitled, "Chavez And His Allies."
Quote:

"There have been numerous presidential elections this year in the
region, but the one that could have the biggest political
repercussion is Hugo Chavez'.... The Venezuelan President is
characterized by his interventionism in countries...and appears to
be Fidel Castro's natural heir, with the advantage of his resources
to promote projects that will mark his presence beyond his own
country.... Chavez continues to extend his influence and seems to
have Lula da Silva's support...and Evo Morales' friendship.... Alan
Garcia won in Peru, and Felipe Calderon succeeded in strengthening
the Mexican government...but his tight victory and the tenacity of
the defeated candidate have given him problems since his swearing-in
ceremony.... Therefore, the region's situation is still
contradictory with the predominance of radical trends, with the
foreseeable political tension and economic stalling, all of which
will have an effect on our country, either directly or indirectly."

YAMAUCHI

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