Cablegate: Media Reaction -Unsc Vote

VZCZCXYZ0005
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHSG #2254 2991523
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 261523Z OCT 06
FM AMEMBASSY SANTIAGO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0260
INFO RUEHCV/AMEMBASSY CARACAS 1148

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 002254

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 -UNSC VOTE

On October 25, conservative, afternoon "La Segunda" (circ. 33,000)
ran an editorial entitled "Chavez's Surprising Diplomacy." Quote:

"The Bolivian president's announcement that his colleague (Chavez)
had offered to 'leave' him the candidacy came as a surprise.... It
also reflects Hugo Chavez's peculiar concept of diplomacy, where he
not only attempts to get Evo Morales involved, but shows that he is
aggressive, inclined to personal alliances, and does not follow
traditional practice. In this context, Chile's role...in seeking a
consensus (candidate)...that can truly represent the region has
become stronger.... The race could even favor Bolivia...but judging
from the region's image, we need not only a political
representative, but also one that has respect for professional
diplomacy."

On October 26, conservative, independent "La Tercera" (circ.
101,000) ran an editorial entitled "UN Security Council Vote."
Quote:

It is a bad sign that the Group of Nations of Latin America and the
Caribbean (Grulac)...has been unable to come up with a consensus
candidate.... Whether or not this candidate turns out to be
Bolivia, the relevant issue here is that the country that represents
the region should create unity rather than divisiveness....
Unquestionably, the country that ultimately occupies the UNSC seat
will proceed based on its own national interests.... But it would
also be praiseworthy if it could take actions based on some shared
regional objectives and views.... Regardless of who occupies the
seat...(it) cannot and must not represent a government that for
whatever reason generates new divisions or exacerbates those that
already exist in the region. It would be good for everyone to
understand this."

KELLY

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