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