MEDIA REACTION US-INDIAN NUCLEAR DEAL A/S

UNCLAS BUENOS AIRES 000505 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 US-INDIAN NUCLEAR DEAL A/S BOST PRESS CONFERENCE ARGENTINA CHAIRS UN SECURITY COUNCIL 03/03/06 ¶1. SUMMARY STATEMENT Today's key international stories include the implications of the nuclear cooperation deal reached between the US and India; the press conference with Eric M. Bost, US Assistant Secretary for Food, Nutrition and consumer Service, US Department of Agriculture; and Argentina chairing the UN Security Council. ¶2. OPINION PIECES AND KEY STORIES - "A controversial award for a most needed ally" Hugo Alconada Mon, Washington-based correspondent for daily-of-record "La Nacion," writes (03/03) "US President George W. Bush and PM Manmohan Singh have just come to an agreement on India's legitimization as a civilian and military nuclear power after 32 years of isolation. The alliance includes an unwritten agreement that India will counterbalance China in Asia. "India is the largest democracy in the world, with 1,1 billion inhabitants. The economic progress it achieved during the last decade... and the hundreds of billion dollars invested by US companies have turned into a regional leader and a badly needed partner for the White House. "Neighboring China and Pakistan, India promotes the economic and social development of the region and, according to Washington, it can appease the encircling Muslim bellicosity and serve as political, financial and military counterweight to Beijing's progressing power. "Nevertheless, the alliance will face domestic challenges at the US Congress and in some of the most conflictive countries in the world (Iran, North Korea and Pakistan),which believe the White House is implementing a double ethical standard according to what suits it better. Democratic and Republican legislators have warned that the alliance will not yield a direct benefit to the US, but it will be beneficial for India, which will accelerate its manufacture of nuclear weapons in the eight reactors that will not require IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) inspections." - "China criticizes the US-Indian nuclear deal" Leading "Clarin" reports (03/03) "Yesterday, the Chinese government reacted to the US-Indian deal on nuclear cooperation... The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Qin Gang, in clear criticism of India's refusal to sign the NPT, said that this deal 'plays an important role' to promote disarmament and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.' "China and India's economies are rapidly growing and both emerging countries will surely battle for hegemony in Asia... "Yesterday, US President Bush and Indian president Manmohan Singh... termed the deal as 'historic,' although Bush had to endure demonstrations of thousands that termed him 'enemy of manhood' and 'imperialistic.'" - "The US gives counsel to the Argentine Government on malnutrition" Conservative "La Prensa" reports (03/03) "In the framework of rapprochement between the Argentine Government and the White House, US Assistant Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Service, US Department of Agriculture Eric Bost visited the country to exchange information and provide counsel on how to fight malnutrition and obesity, which are increasing in Argentina. "A/S Eric Bost arrived in the country Monday and left last night; he met with Argentine Health Minister Gines Gonzalez Garcia and members of the Social Development Ministry." - "Bush's envoy praises (Argentine) nutrition programs" Gabriel Buttazzoni, columnist of business-financial, center-right "InfoBae," writes (03/03) "Eric Bost, US Assistant Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Service, US Department of Agriculture, signed a deal with Argentine authorities in order to share information on official programs to fight malnutrition. "Eric Bost is in charge of fifteen nutrition programs in the US with a 50-billion dollar-budget. "Bost was in the province of Salta, where he observed the implementation of nutrition programs, and he praised Argentine authorities for their policy on the issue. "... During a press conference at the US embassy in Buenos Aires, Bost emphasized the similarities and differences of nutrition programs in the US and Argentina." ¶3. EDITORIALS - "Peace and security" Conservative "La Prensa" editorializes (03/03) "Argentina is again chairing the UN Security Council... During the period in which the country will play this role, two very important issues for world peace and security will be tackled - Haiti and Iran. "... Our country has always participated in peace- keeping missions in conflictive countries, which proves that chairing the UN Security Council is not merely occasional (in the country's commitment to peace),but our country will take over international responsibility... Argentina should take pride in filling this position again because it is a way of being acknowledged as a non-belligerent country that is concerned about peace and that carries prestige in the political arena, the most sensitive aspect of international balance." 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