Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06SANTIAGO2008
2006-09-25 12:18:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Santiago
Cable title:
MEDIA REACTION - VENEZUELA'S UNSC CANDIDACY
how-toVZCZCXYZ0012 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHSG #2008 2681218 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 251218Z SEP 06 FM AMEMBASSY SANTIAGO TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0038 INFO RUEHCV/AMEMBASSY CARACAS 1089
UNCLAS SANTIAGO 002008
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 PGOV CI VE
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION - VENEZUELA'S UNSC CANDIDACY
On September 20, independent "Radio Infinita" interviewed Chile's
former Ambassador to the United States Genaro Arriagada about
Venezuela's bid to the UNSC and his view of what to expect from the
United States in terms of pressure. Following is an excerpt of
Arriagada's answer:
"I believe the United States makes many (foreign) policy mistakes,
but it has a very sophisticated diplomacy. It knows that the worst
thing it could do is appear to be exerting pressure. I believe that
the attitude, for example, of the U.S. Ambassador in Chile (Craig
Kelly) has been very discreet and therefore that it will continue
like that.... The Republican administration has welcomed these
incidents with Chavez. They help Bush, because he appears as the
moderate one... Chavez' statements and his support of Iran's uranium
enrichment program strengthen Bush. Therefore, Bush is winning,
based on his adversary's mistakes and unacceptable behavior."
KELLY