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