MEDIA REACTION -UNSC VOTE

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 002254 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 PREL VE CI SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION -UNSC VOTE On October 25, conservative, afternoon "La Segunda" (circ. 33,000) ran an editorial entitled "Chavez's Surprising Diplomacy." Quote: "The Bolivian president's announcement that his colleague (Chavez) had offered to 'leave' him the candidacy came as a surprise.... It also reflects Hugo Chavez's peculiar concept of diplomacy, where he not only attempts to get Evo Morales involved, but shows that he is aggressive, inclined to personal alliances, and does not follow traditional practice. In this context, Chile's role...in seeking a consensus (candidate)...that can truly represent the region has become stronger.... The race could even favor Bolivia...but judging from the region's image, we need not only a political representative, but also one that has respect for professional diplomacy." On October 26, conservative, independent "La Tercera" (circ. 101,000) ran an editorial entitled "UN Security Council Vote." Quote: It is a bad sign that the Group of Nations of Latin America and the Caribbean (Grulac)...has been unable to come up with a consensus candidate.... Whether or not this candidate turns out to be Bolivia, the relevant issue here is that the country that represents the region should create unity rather than divisiveness.... Unquestionably, the country that ultimately occupies the UNSC seat will proceed based on its own national interests.... But it would also be praiseworthy if it could take actions based on some shared regional objectives and views.... Regardless of who occupies the seat...(it) cannot and must not represent a government that for whatever reason generates new divisions or exacerbates those that already exist in the region. It would be good for everyone to understand this." KELLY