MEDIA REACTION NEW AMBASSADOR IN ARGENTINA,

UNCLAS BUENOS AIRES 000428

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: MEDIA REACTION NEW AMBASSADOR IN ARGENTINA,
HAMAS-ISRAEL, AVIAN FLU, HAITI; BUENOS AIRES 02/21/06



1. SUMMARY STATEMENT

Major stories today refer to Ambassador Wayne's
designation, its positive repercussions in Argentina
and the possible topics he will be addressing; Hamas'
difficult relationship with Israel; the aftermath of
Haiti's elections and the global concern posed by the
avian flu and its economic repercussions.


2. OPINION PIECES AND KEY STORIES

- "Bad News"

Marcelo Cantelmi, center-left, leading "Clarin"
international editor, writes (02/20) "It's bad news.
Israel's toughened stance - calling the NPA 'terrorist
authority' and blocking the transfer of NPA funds --
will only strengthen the hardest Palestinian sectors.
Part of those actions were the ones which, in the end,
paved the way for Hamas to reach the government via
clean elections, setting aside Al Fatah's moderate
leadership. The fact that this group decided to take
part in the elections is a positive fact. The
democratic tool proved it's possible to accumulate a
broad and decisive power which terrorist attacks deny.
It also opened the door to political sectors - a
necessary ingredient in a theocratic organization that
denies individual rights and wants to build a radical
Islamic State. This goal isn't shared by the entire
Palestinian people. But if the calamities of this
group worsen, this will obviously benefit the most
radical sector."

- "U.S. Decides to Send FTAA Crusader to Buenos Aires"

Marcelo Raimon, Washington-based contributor, writes
in center-right "Perfil" (02/20) "The new U.S.
Ambassador in Argentina, Earl Anthony Wayne, is not
only a career diplomat. He's a man of important
intellectual background who, in addition, faithfully
represents the pivots of 'the new U.S. foreign policy'
following 9/11: fighting terrorism, 'exporting'
democracy, promoting free trade, not only with
economic goals but, particularly, as an instrument to
prevent poverty from fuelling extremism.

"This is to say, Wayne is on the opposite side of Lino
Gutierrez, a more 'political' diplomat coming from the
'Cuban' sector led by Otto Reich... Unlike Gutierrez,
Wayne is a low profile official; lobbying in favor of
U.S. corporations isn't among his key occupations.

".... A graduate from two of the most prestigious U.S.
universities, it will be hard to see Wayne engaging in
verbal fencing as the Ambassador in Caracas, William
Brownfield does... But, undoubtedly, we must be on the
alert for a possible outbreak of real interest for one
of the key issues in his resume: tracking down the
financial networks of Islamic Fundamentalist groups;
and, in this case, looking towards the Tri-border
Area.

"In his opinion, national security and the economic
development of the poorest countries are closely
intertwined. Washington doesn't want the slightest
trace in 'Latin America's backyard' of what the White
House considers 'terrorist groups.' With the delay in
the FTAA, the U.S. decided to speed-up bilateral and
regional negotiations, opening the door to agreements
with Chile, Peru and CAFTA, while it continues
negotiations with Panama, Colombia, Ecuador and,
perhaps, Uruguay."

- "Soya Bean Accelerates Wayne's debut"

Ana Baron, center-left, leading "Clarin" Washington-
based correspondent, opines (02/21) "Only five days
ago the GOA accepted his credentials as the new U.S.
ambassador in Argentina. The Senate hasn't confirmed
him yet. But Earl Anthony Wayne is already analyzing
problems which, unless they're solved, will continue
to be on his agenda when he lands in Buenos Aires in
June. One of them is the conflict between Monsanto and
Argentina, which involves no less than 2 billion
dollars.

"In his position as Deputy Assistant Secretary for

Economic and Business Issues... Wayne will today
receive the Argentine Secretary of Agriculture, Miguel
Campos. Although the interview was arranged several
weeks ago, Campos will take the opportunity to explain
to Wayne the details of the conflict and will
undoubtedly request his help.

".... Wayne, an expert on patents, wrote an op-ed for
Clarin which appeared on June 24. This is to say, he's
well aware of the topic. But, given that this is a
legal problem which, for the time being, is in Europe,
he'll probably maintain an understanding attitude, but
won't commit to any concrete mediation. In any case,
Wayne is most likely aware that there are other U.S.
companies affected by the problem that will pressure
in favor of Argentina...."

- "Chaos' Lessons"

Marcelo Cantelmi, center-left, leading "Clarin" says
(02/18) ".... Despite an atmosphere of national
dissolution and unstoppable degradation, there was a
game of pressure that not only stopped the elections
on four occasions. It also tried to lead the country
to new chaos, via a runoff that only added fuel to the
fire. The goal of that minority was to prevent Preval
from reaching power although the cost of this could
have led to another degree of anarchy. It's easy to
imagine what could have happened if this agreement
hadn't been reached. In truth, this solution didn't
necessarily save Haiti. But the other one would most
likely have led it to destruction."

- "OAS Urges to Maintain Haiti's Support"

Hugo Alconada Mon, center-right, daily-of-record "La
Nacion" Washington-based correspondent, says (02/19)
"In an interview, John Maisto said 'The commitment of
the hemisphere and the international community with
Haiti must continue for years.'

".... Aside from praising the role of the
international community in Haiti, he's very careful
with Argentina and Venezuela, reiterating that
responsibilities are, above all, domestic. 'There
aren't magic formulas,' he said.

"'Haiti has experienced tremendous difficulties of all
kinds... But let's be patient. The important thing is
that it moves forward in the process that began on the
day of the elections. The Haitian people voted
massively, like never before, and the international
community, with the presence of the Minustah, the OAS
and other organizations, are supporting them, even
with 1.2 billion dollars in aid of which the U.S. will
supply 300 million,' said Wayne, who added... 'The
link between democracy and development is the nucleus.
Holding elections isn't enough. It's necessary to have
democratic governments with credible and democratic
institutions; a government that will invest in its
citizens, their health and education, and to promote
the appropriate policies for its growth. This
combination creates the synergy that leads to
prosperity,' said Maisto...."

- "Industry in Jeopardy"

Claudio Mario Aliscioni, center-left, leading "Clarin"
says (02/21) "Clearly, there are a handful of reasons
that forced the key European governments to initiate
now an offensive against the 'avian flu.' In addition
to the obvious purpose of keeping public health at bay
from any risk in the richest countries, we now have
the specific interests of a poultry industry that
moves billions of dollars in trade. This is clear in
France and Italy, with renowned cuisines of
international fame. The future of the economy is
jeopardized by the fears of a population - refined in
its taste and consumers of white meat --
that cut back on its consumption of poultry."


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

The Media Reaction Report reflects articles and
opinions by the cited news media and do not

necessarily reflect U.S. Embassy policy or views. The
Public Affairs Section does not independently verify
information. The report is intended for internal U.S.
Government use only.

GUTIERREZ