MEDIA REACTION US-INDIAN NUCLEAR DEAL A/S

UNCLAS BUENOS AIRES 000505

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STATE FOR INR/R/MR, I/GWHA, WHA, WHA/PDA, WHA/BSC,
WHA/EPSC
CDR USSOCOM FOR J-2 IAD/LAMA

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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