SUGGESTED POINTS FOR PINOCHET GUIDANCE

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 002541 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR R, WHA/BSC, WHA/PDA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM ECON CI SUBJECT: SUGGESTED POINTS FOR PINOCHET GUIDANCE REF: A) BAROODY-BARNES 12/10/06 EMAIL B) KAMIAN-OP CENTER 12/10/06 TELCOM ¶1. Summary: Below is the press statement coordinated with WHA front office about General Pinochet's death on December 10 (ref A). Post had drafted suggested responses to possible press questions during today's noon briefing. End Summary. Press Statement -------------- ¶2. "We recognize that General Pinochet was a highly controversial figure who will be judged by the Chilean people on all aspects of his record. Chileans responded to General Pinochet's rule by reaffirming their commitment to democracy, pluralism, an open economy and international engagement. We applaud Chile's successful democratic transition and its strong promotion of human rights. The steadfastness of the Chilean people, their willingness to look frankly at the past, and their commitment to a bright future for all citizens have earned the respect of the world." Qs and As -------------- ¶3. Q. What was the responsibility of the United States in the 1973 coup that unseated the democratically-elected government of Salvador Allende? ¶A. In the late 1990s the U.S. government undertook a major effort to make available documents so that the public and historians could reach their own conclusions about the U.S. role in Chile. The Chile Declassification Project, completed in November 2000, released 23,000 documents related to events in Chile from 1968-91. ¶4. Q. Do you have any comment about Chile's economic reforms carried out during the Pinochet regime? ¶A. There were positive aspects arising out of economic reforms begun during the Pinochet regime, such as the opening of Chile's markets to the world and the establishment of an autonomous Central Bank. However, economic reforms have had their greatest effect under democratic governance, which has made clear the strong support of the Chilean people for an open economy. ¶5. Q. Now that General Pinochet has died, will the United States continue to press on past human rights cases in Chile? ¶A. The United States seeks to resolve several outstanding cases involving the violations of the human rights of U.S. citizens and encourages the Chilean government to continue its investigations into these cases, as well as those involving its own citizens. If pressed on U.S. cases: The United States remains committed to resolving the human rights cases involving Charles Horman, Frank Teruggi, and Boris Weisfeiler, and seeking justice against the perpetrators. ¶6. Q. Who will be attending the funeral of General Pinochet on behalf of the USG? ¶A. There will be a military ceremony with the honors given to Pinochet, a former Army Commander-in-Chief. Details about invitations to and arrangements for the funeral are not clear at this point. ¶7. Q. What is your reaction to street violence in Chile as a result of General Pinochet's death and does it have any implications on Chile's stability? ¶A. The vast majority of protests have been peaceful. The Chilean government has taken measures to minimize violence by a small minority. KELLY