MEDIA REACTION - LATIN AMERICA, MORALES INAUGURATION

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 000169 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR IIP/G/WHA, INR/R/MR, WHA/BSC, WHA/PDA, INR/IAA AMEMBASSY FOR PAO/IO E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPRC KMDR KPAO CI BL SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION - LATIN AMERICA, MORALES INAUGURATION ¶1. On January 25, conservative, independent "La Tercera" (circ. 102,000) carried a column by Political scientist Boris Yopo entitled, "Two Lefts in Latin America." Quote: "Latin America has become world news again...given election results showing the region has moved to the left.... But there are some elements we must consider.... The first is that the rise of the left shows that 'excluded' sectors have discovered the power of voting and citizen participation to promote their long-postponed demands. This is a major challenge for the elites who have held power in Latin America and earn over 50% of the income, but pay only 10% of the taxes on less than 10% of their incomes through exemptions and evasion.... It is time, also, to evaluate each new government to determine which delivers on its campaign promises. We mustn't forget in the wake of the concern that existed over Lula's leadership that he is now an example.... Given the 'heterogeneity' of the political regimes that will rule the region in the new few years, we must pursue policies that prevent the escalation of conflicts...try to converge in our interests whenever possible...and have a 'friendly competition' among governments to determine which can deliver the best standard of living for its people." ¶2. On January 25, conservative, influential newspaper-of-record "El Mercurio" (circ. 116,807) carried a column entitled Karin Ebensperger, "Evo Morales' Dilemma." Quote: "Evo Morales might want to...promote an ancestral economy and not open up to the world, but many Bolivians have already left that kind of life aside and today live...in the worst of the two worlds--one in which there is neither development nor the chance to go return to their traditional way of life. The question is whether Evo can open Bolivia to development.... His meeting with Ricardo Lagos is already a sign of independence from extremist groups that promote conflict in the neighborhood and his remarks in the sense that he would address all issues in due time and responsibly, are encouraging." ¶3. On January 25, conservative, influential newspaper-of-record El Mercurio (circ. 116,807) ran an editorial entitled, "Bolivia's Challenges." Quote: "Although the new president has an important majority in Congress, he lacks the resources needed to deliver what he promised. The goal to nationalize gas...means the state must take a major role in the economy, both as investor and regulator, which carries the risk of affecting the private sector." KELLY