MEDIA REACTION US IMMIGRATION POLICY US-

UNCLAS BUENOS AIRES 000786 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 IMMIGRATION POLICY US- URUGUAYAN FTA 04/05/06;BUENOS AIRES ¶1. SUMMARY STATEMENT Key international stories today include Latin immigrants preparing a large demonstration in the US for May 1; and Uruguayan Economy Minister Danilo Astori's statement that his government has not dismissed an eventual FTA with the US. Daily-of-record "La Nacion," leading "Clarin," conservative "La Prensa," left-of-center "Pagina 12," and liberal, English-language "Buenos Aires Herald" report on former US ambassador to Argentina Theodore Gildred's multi-country "Spirit of Good Will" flight, which is aimed at promoting better relations between countries of the Western Hemisphere. Daily-of-record "La Nacion" carries a reprint of a The New York Times article highlighting that President Chavez is spending billions of dollars of his country's oil windfall on pet projects abroad, aimed at setting up his leftist government as a political counterpoint to the conservative Bush administration in the region." ¶2. OPINION PIECES AND KEY STORIES - "US: they call for a Latin boycott" Hugo Alconada Mon, Washington-based correspondent foQ daily-of-record "La Nacion," comments (04/05) "Determined to influence a US Congressional debate that could jeopardize their future in the country, Latin immigrants are preparing a large demonstration for May 1, which they expect will partly paralyze the economy of the country. "The organizers of the protest demonstration are confident that the strike and commercial boycott they are promoting will demonstrate the real strength of the 12 million immigrants who are living in the country without a legal residence permit. They could be pardoned or deported according to which legislation is passed by the US Congress. "... However, some Latin Leaders in the US fear that protest demonstrations could spark rejection among US citizens. So far, only a few radicalized groups and right-wing analysts, some of them related to the G.O.P., rejected the immigrants' complaints while Democrats maintain a low profile on this issue." - "Bush, positively disposed towards Montevideo" Business-financial "El Cronista" reports (04/05) "US President George W. Bush advised the US Senate to ratify the US-Uruguayan Bilateral Investment Treaty.. "The promotion of negotiations between the two countries took place after the Joint Trade and Investment Committee reopened its sessions after the visit of a Uruguayan delegation to Washington... "Uruguayan Industry Minister Jorge Lepra informed journalists that the committee will hold sessions again before the end of the year in Montevideo, which suggests 'a big step forward' of the Committee." - "'Uruguay looks to Mercosur but also beyond'" Business-financial "Ambito Financiero" reports (04/05) "Uruguayan Economy Minister Danilo Astori said yesterday that his government is implementing a joint insertion process in and outside of the region, which will not exclude an eventual FTA with the US, a controversial issue for Mercosur. According to Astori on Mercosur, Uruguay should improve its insertion with the world outside of the region through a 'joint process approach.' 'We are looking to Mercosur and beyond.' "Astori argued that this two-sided strategy will enable the country 'to win maneuvering margin' in trade negotiations. Asked about eventual talks with the US on an FTA, Astori said that the US-Uruguayan investment committee is holding negotiations. The outcome of these negotiations will indicate 'whether we can make progress on an FTA with the US in the future.'" 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