MEDIA REACTION - MIDEAST - LEBANON, GAZA INCURSIONS

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 001531 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR IIP/G/WHA, INR/R/MR, WHA/BSC, WHA/PDA, INR/IAA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KMDR KPAO OPRC CI SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION - MIDEAST - LEBANON, GAZA INCURSIONS ¶1. On July 14, private channel 4 Red TV: "Chile joined the international community in condemning violence in the Middle East. Foreign Minister Alejandro Foxley met with the Ambassadors to Chile from Lebanon, Algeria, Jordan, Syria, and the Palestinian Authority. Minister Foxley condemned Israel's military retaliation on Gaza and Beirut. ¶2. On July 14, private channel 11 Chilevision, international pundit Raul Sohr commented: "There is a subjacent conflict involving the U.S., the international community and specifically Israel over Iran's nuclear program, which is seen with suspicion because they believe (Iran) is developing an atomic bomb... This is a crisis that could escalate globally...and we are already seeing its direct consequences that affect all of us through oil prices..." ¶3. On July 14, private channel 9 Mega international commentator Libardo Buitrago said: "We are facing a non-declared war, which has a chance of a peaceful solution after Israeli Prime Minister Olmert said that Israel would end the military offensive under three conditions: release of the two kidnapped soldiers, a Hezbollah cease-fire, and a U.N. resolution requiring the disarmament of the guerrilla..." ¶4. On July 15, private channel 11 Chilevision international analyst Raul Sohr noted: "The conflict is getting worse...It's beginning to configure a foreseeable picture. Through land, air, and sea strikes Israel seeks to fence and completely seal Lebanon.... It is likely that in the next days Israel will enter Lebanon with its infantry...and we all know that when it comes to a face-to-face combat involving the infantry there is a rapid increase in the number of victims.... Israel intends a definitive strike on Hezbollah. I believe it is very doubtful it will accomplish this. Israel already tried this in the past with very minimal results.... The U.N. decision to send a three-party committee to assess the situation is laughable.... The background here is that the U.S. has provided its full support to Israel. President Bush has justified Israel's military response, while France, Great Britain, and Russia have described it as an overreaction..." ¶5. On July 16, private channel 11 Chilevision international analyst Raul Sohr commented: "Things are going from bad to worse. Israel increased the intensity of its shelling against Lebanon... The situation doesn't show chances of getting better. On the contrary, the leader of Hezbollah has said that they will go to a total war and that they have many arms and many surprises for Israel... For the first time, Iran has said something: that under no circumstances would Hezbollah disarm. Therefore, I believe that this crisis is under full development and, unfortunately, there is much violence and death to come..." ¶6. On July 16, conservative, influential newspaper-of-record "El Mercurio" (circ.116,807) carried an editorial entitled, "Crisis in the Middle East." Quote: "The Israeli military actions in Lebanon...have led to a dangerous escalation...that calls for the immediate intervention of the Security Council and the guarantors of the 'roadmap' -- the United States, the European Union, Russia, and the U.N.... These powers should...help end the military actions and the inclination to disavow the sovereignty of states, regardless of the causes and provocations and beyond Israel's right to legitimate defense.... They should also try to achieve the return of the abducted soldiers and get guarantees of moderation from all parties involved.... This crisis calls for the promotion and effective intervention by the world leaders to immediately attain guarantees for peace and the respect of international law." YAMAUCHI