Cablegate: Media Reaction - President Bush's Travel to Latin America

VZCZCXYZ0001
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHSG #0408 0682002
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 092002Z MAR 07
FM AMEMBASSY SANTIAGO
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 1156

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 000408

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR R/MR, I/PP, WHA/BSC, WHA/PDA, WHA/EPSC

STATE FOR INR/IAA, PM, INL

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OPRC CI
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION - PRESIDENT BUSH'S TRAVEL TO LATIN AMERICA

On March 8, conservative, afternoon daily "La Segunda" (circ.
33,000) carried an editorial entitled "President Bush's Tour."
Quote:

"President Bush's choice (of countries he will visit) reflects
concrete interests and his hope to maintain good relations with
leftist governments that are clearly democratic and have open
economies... The United States has not stood out for the coherence
or consistency in its policy toward Latin America. Its friendly
gestures and aid programs have emerged in response to its
international problems.... Today, the U.S. concern over the threat
that Hugo Chavez represents and the future of Cuba after Fidel
Castro is real.... We hope Bush arrives with concrete proposals
that favor democracy, economic freedom, and social improvement of
our people."

On March 9, conservative, independent "La Tercera" (circ. 101,000)
carried an editorial entitled "Bush and the Necessary Latin American
Agenda." Quote:

"President Bush's visit is motivated by domestic elements and loss
of influence in the region, but, nevertheless, is a positive change
on the part of the White House.... Bush's tour is a positive and
necessary signal, but for it to succeed, the White House must go
beyond words and come up with concrete actions... Only this will
re-launch the necessary relationship that must exist between
Washington and the region."

On March 9, government-owned, editorially independent "La Nacion"
(circ. 4,200) carried a column by international analyst Raul Sohr
entitled "Bush and the Chavez Factor." Quote:

"Most Latin American countries do not welcome the clash between
Washington and Caracas and would rather not take sides for either
party. The black and white vision the United States advocates (you
are either with us or against us) evokes a Cold War that no one
wishes to revive."

KELLY

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