Cablegate: Media Reaction; Us Policy On Latin America; Doha Round;

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TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 0003
INFO RHMFISS/CDR USSOCOM MACDILL AFB FL//SCJ2//
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UNCLAS BUENOS AIRES 000015

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STATE FOR INR/R/MR, I/GWHA, WHA, WHA/PDA, WHA/BSC,
WHA/EPSC
CDR USSOCOM FOR J-2 IAD/LAMA

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E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KPAO OPRC KMDR PREL
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION; US POLICY ON LATIN AMERICA; DOHA ROUND;
01/04/08

1. SUMMARY STATEMENT

Today's international opinion pieces are related to the US policy on
Latin America; and expectations over the Doha Round.

2. OPINION PIECES AND EDITORIALS

- "US policy on Latin America"

Business-financial "Buenos Aires Economico" (01/04) front-pages an
opinion piece by prestigious economist and historian Mario Rapoport,
who writes "The current tension in the US-Argentine bilateral
relationship as a result of the Antonini Wilson affair... is not
merely a legal issue.

"Washington has long disliked Chavez's presence in the hemisphere
and increasing ties between Caracas and Buenos Aires. Last but not
least, it also does not like the regional moves aimed at obtaining
the autonomy of the Southern section of the region... through the
consolidation of Mercosur, rejection of the FTAA by several
countries, or the creation of their own financial institutions, like
Banco del Sur...

"... US policies on Latin America have been a failure and the
governments of the region are determined to seek their own road even
when others, like Uribe, are still loyal to the US. In spite of
Argentina and Venezuela's failed humanitarian intervention attempt,
Latin America's economic, political and security agenda should be
decided by the nations of the region. This is the best way of
dealing with the US and put an end to its long-standing policy of
'containment' of Latin American interests."

- "The 2008 Doha Round"

Business-financial "El Cronista" (01/04) carries an opinion piece by
Marcelo Halperin, from the Latin American Integration Institute at
National University of La Plata, who writes "The negotiating
methodology used during the latest WTO Rounds is being taken to the
extreme of sophistication at the (current) Doha Round. Its
complexity is due to a concern that is being shared by all
country-members - downplay whatever they will sign. In this way, on
the one hand, delegations discuss concessions or 'progress' and, an
on the other hand, they discuss how to efficiently downplay or
neutralize them through limitations or exceptions.

"The G20 has already expressed its disappointment with the way
negotiations are carried out. Obviously enough, no fruitful deals
will be achieved... although perhaps this is the price to be paid in
order to close the (Doha) Round - a result with neither big winners
nor losers.

"In brief, statements seem to open, not close, the doors for a deal
because the implementation of the disciplines proposed by developing
countries would not significantly affect developed countries.
Meanwhile, some developing countries relying on their agricultural
exports could renegotiate their market access with other developing
countries through last-generation FTAs. While some important tasks
will remain pending, there is consensus on the need to close this
Round at any expense with the purpose of preserving the multilateral
forum as the last-instance environment to set limits on trade
practices of protection, discrimination and depredation."

To see more Buenos Aires reporting, visit our
classified website at:
http://www.state.sqov.gov/p/wha/buenosaires

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