MEDIA REACTION: VENEZUELA; PAT ROBERTSON'S

UNCLAS QUITO 002022 SIPDIS STATE FOR INR/R/MR, WHA, WHA/AND, WHA/PDA DIRONDCP FOR PA EMBASSIES FOR PAO/IO E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL OPRC KIRC KPAO EC SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION: VENEZUELA; PAT ROBERTSON'S STATEMENT ¶1. . "Pact with Venezuela - Let's Get Going," a column (08/29) in Guayaquil's conservative "El Telegrafo" (circ. 8,000) "The fiscal situation has been deteriorating for quite some time now. The fundamental cause is the huge amount of money allotted in the budget for the so called service of the public debt. . . . What alternative sources for financing are available? . . . ". . . The option offered by Venezuela must be taken seriously, because it is a good opportunity. Despite its obvious benefits, no doubt the unconditional supporters of neoliberalism will put forward the `argument' that `Chavez is dangerous'. . . "No conditions have been placed on this - unlike the extremely harsh [conditions] constantly imposed on us by the IMF, World Bank, and others. We should demand that negotiations with Venezuela go forward . and show the spirit of solidarity amongst the community of South American nations that everyone should support." ¶2. "Sowing Violence," a column (08/27) by Rene Mauge in Quito's leading centrist "El Comercio" (circ. 70,000) Quote: "It was not a simple `statement from a private citizen', as President Bush's spokesmen have said, rather it was a declaration from a preacher who has wide popularity in the U.S. and is a close friend of the President and Chief of the Pentagon. . . . "There is no doubt that the biggest concern for U.S. foreign policy is not so much Chavez, as the possibility of a unified South American continent seeking to defend its own interests and the promotion of sustainable development that will benefit its people." JEWELL