MEDIA REACTION - VENEZUELA'S UNSC CANDIDACY

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 001244

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR IIP/G/WHA, INR/R/MR, WHA/BSC, WHA/PDA, INR/IAA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPRC KMDR KPAO CI MX
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION - VENEZUELA'S UNSC CANDIDACY



1. On May 5, conservative, independent "La Tercera" (circ. 102,000)
carried an article by Alvaro Vargas Llosa entitled, "The Battle for
the Security Council." Quote:

"U.S. officials believe the GOC and Chile's 'establishment' are
reluctant to vote for Chavez, but are concerned in view of President
Bachelet's 'Latin Americanization' of foreign policy...that Chile
will ultimately support Chavez. Washington has watched with interest
some Chileans' informal proposal to find a consensus candidate. In
this context, Bachelet's announcement she would visit some Caribbean
nations after her trip to Washington seems to indicate this
initiative has garnered support."


2. On May 4, conservative, independent "La Tercera" (circ. 102,000)
carried an editorial entitled, "National Interests and the U.N.
Vote." Quote:

"It is cleart that Chile can but devote all its diplomatic efforts
to finding a consensus candidate...for the UNSC... This is a major
challenge for Chile's diplomacy demanding a balanced assessment of
the elements of national interest. While Venezuela can open
strategic doors for Chile, especially in the area of energy...and
Chavez exerts unquestionable ideological influence on Bolivia...the
U.S. is an ally of La Moneda, the largest destination for Chile's
exports and a commercial partner in a successful free trade
agreement.... There is also the issue of representation...
Ideally, whomever takes the seat must be one that represents the
largest number of countries." KELLY