MEDIA REACTION - NORTH KOREA'S NUCLEAR PROGRAM

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 002126

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 KN CI
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION - NORTH KOREA'S NUCLEAR PROGRAM



1. Summary: In line with the Chilean government position,
editorial comments have been highly critical of North Korea's
nuclear testing. End Summary.


2. On October 11, conservative, independent "La Tercera" (circ.
101,000) ran an editorial entitled, "North Korea and its Nuclear
Diplomacy" that states:

"Monday's nuclear test is just another landmark of an unchanged
strategy: Using the threat of a nuclear conflict to attain
political and economic concessions in a constant push and shove with
the international community.... In a threat of this magnitude,
neither passiveness nor an aggressive policy toward North Korea is
the indicated path.... There is no doubt that the region must make
North Korea realize, with an open but strong dialogue, that it is
not in its interest to be isolated and hostile with its neighbors or
have a relationship built on intimidation and fear."


3. On October 9, private television "Chilevision" international
analyst Raul Sohr concluded:

"It is not exactly known what the success of this test was.... The
political impact is the same whether the bomb failed or succeeded
because North Korea challenged the world.... North Korea is a
threat for the whole world. A country that has suffered dramatic
hunger problems and has a regime that has such disrespect for its
own people do not have respect for others."

KELLY