UNCLAS SANTIAGO 000106

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR R/MR, I/PP, WHA/BSC, WHA/PDA, INR/IAA, PM, INL
STATE FOR INR/R/MR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OPRC CI HA
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION - HAITI


On January 16, conservative afternoon "La Segunda" (circ. 31,834)
carried a signed letter by Senator Jorge Arancibia entitled, "Our
Presence in Haiti." Quote:

"When we returned (from Haiti) we agreed to maintain the presence of
our troops for six more months... We were surprised to receive a
bill from the GOC proposing to reduce our soldiers' salaries by 50%
compared to the salary of our public officers on foreign missions...
The argument was that the soldiers received room and board--sleeping
in cots with mosquito nets--so had fewer expenses than diplomatic
personnel who travel with their families. This GOC initiative is
discriminatory and unfair and should be strongly rejected."

On January 14, conservative, influential newspaper-of-record "El
Mercurio" (circ. 116,807) carried an editorial entitled,
"Frustrating Mission in Haiti." Quote:
"For the time being, national authorities suggest Chileans will
remain in Haiti for two years. Probably, before June, when the
Senate again must decide whether to extend the mission, they will
ask for details about the direct and indirect expenses and
alternatives to military cooperation... The prospects for the
Minustah plan's success should also be known in detail."
KELLY