UNCLAS SANTIAGO 001460

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

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

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OPRC CI KN
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION - NORTH KOREA NUCLEAR PROGRAM

On July 6, conservative, afternoon daily "La Segunda" (circ 31,834):
carried an editorial entitled, "Threat to World Peace." Quote:

"It is a fact that irresponsible and unpredictable governments such
North Korea's...are a threat to peace, and although it is likely
that China would block a punitive U.N. action, the problem must be
discussed in the international framework. For Latin America it is a
concern that while countries such as Chile have condemned Korea's
missile tests, the only government that has endorsed them is
Venezuela's, which has also proposed creating a joint Mercosur armed
force.... In addition to his difficult relations with the region,
Chavez has now added an arms race, the support of a dictatorial
regime and an odd military project. This is important information
to take into account when considering Venezuela's candidacy to the
UNSC."

KELLY