UNCLAS BUENOS AIRES 000063
SIPDIS
STATE FOR INR/R/MR, I/GWHA, WHA, WHA/PDA, WHA/BSC,
WHA/EPSC
CDR USSOCOM FOR J-2 IAD/LAMA
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KPAO, OPRC, KMDR, PREL, MEDIA REACTION
SUBJECT: IRAQ-IRAN; CHAVEZ; ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES; 01/12/07
1. SUMMARY STATEMENT
All local dailies report on the wave of domestic and international
criticism unleashed by US President Bush's plan to send additional
US troops to Iraq. Papers also cover the US blow to the Iranian
consulate in Erbil; the Chavez administration's 'totalitarianism';
and environmental degradation.
2. OPINION PIECES
- "Why?"
Paula Lugones, international columnist of leading "Clarin," writes
(01/12) "The increasing influence of the Iranian theocratic regime
on Iraq's Shiites is well-known. This was one of the clear
consequences of Saddam's downfall and the US invasion.
"However, if Iran has had a low profile in this conflict so far and
the major confrontation between Tehran and Washington has been
related to the nuclear issue, why did the US decide to 'provoke it'?
Why, when the entire world recommends talking with Iran? It is not
mere chance that the blow to the consulate coincided with the
announcement that additional troops will be sent (to Iraq). George
W. Bush could be seeking to spread the conflict in order to justify
his unpopular war policy. Nonetheless, Iran has the greatest Army in
the region and a powerful influence in the Middle East. One should
not play with Iran."
- "Chavez, a dismantled model"
Daily of-record "La Nacion" carries an op-ed story by writer Marcos
Aguinis, who says (01/12) "He was labeled as 'crazy,' 'tropical
parrot,' hooligan,' but those terms are not enough to describe his
powerful image. He has controlled Venezuela since December 1998, he
wants to become the anti-US reference point for the world, influence
the destiny of Latin America and establish a 21st century Socialism.
Therefore, he does not mind having dropped his country into the most
corrupt period of its corrupt history...
"He obtained the support of his people thanks to the high level of
inefficiency, lack of responsibility and robbery in which the
Venezuelan political leadership ended up... He won again the
elections, in which impunity was so patent that they did not even
bother to disguise the fraud."
- "The environmental debt"
Daily-of-record "La Nacion" carries an op-ed story by contributor
Jorge Coscia, who opines (01/12) "... Developing countries are the
most affected by environmental degradation as a result of the
transfer of contaminating technologies from industrialized
countries.
"The message received by the leaders of neighboring countries is
brief and clear - either you accept those type of investments or
subject your citizens to unemployment and stagnation...
"... Contrary to what happens in the economic field, developing
countries are environmental creditors of their financial creditors.
"A global solution is badly needed to protect the environment.
Double standards are unacceptable. Environment should be protected
in both developed and developing countries.
"... While it is true that our societies justly claim that new job
opportunities be created, and this would involve higher investment,
it is also true that the price could be too high."
3. EDITORIALS
- "Chavez tilts towards totalitarianism"
Daily-of-record "La Nacion" editorializes (01/12) "The controversial
president of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez, is again the center of the
regional scenario for having disturbed the international community.
"... After two terms in office during which he destroyed the
principle of separation of powers, concentrated full political
authority, subjected the constitutional court, the electoral justice
and the judiciary all over his country, and launched a dangerous
arms race, he has just announced that he will swiftly lead Venezuela
into socialism; which implies building a new political, social and
economic system for his country.
"For this purpose, he announced a second reform of the Venezuelan
Constitution because the previous one, promoted by Chavez himself,
perhaps does not appear proper for a clear turn towards a
totalitarian regime."
- "A controversial plan for Iraq"
An editorial in conservative "La Prensa" reads (01/12) "It is a fact
that President George W. Bush's announced offensive to put the war
on a safe track will be the last action before the transfer of power
to Iraqis in a kind of protected democracy, or before total collapse
and US troop withdrawal, which will be just as ominous and
humiliating as in Vietnam. As if it were a poker game, the head of
the White House decided to raise the stakes by trying more of the
same and disregard the blunt message of the November elections, the
view of Democratic leaders and Baker-Hamilton's suggestions. This is
also a reassertion of the unilateral stance of the only world
superpower, which in spite of being the guiding light towards
freedom for the rest of the world, it cannot resolve alone such
complex and broad problems like those in the Middle East...
"Bush's new plan has been overwhelmingly rejected by the US people
and condemnation by Islamic public opinion while the EU showed
skepticism. Not even loyal UK gave substantial support to his plan.
It is not good news that the isolation of the 'only vital country in
the world' has increased.' (Madeleine Albright quoted)."
To see more Buenos Aires reporting, visit our
classified website at:
http://www.state.sqov.gov/p/wha/buenosaires
WAYNE