MEDIA REACTION - PRESS FREEDOM

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 000265 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR IIP/G/WHA INR/R/MR, WHA/BSC, WHA/PDA, INR/IAA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPRC PHUM KMDR KPAO CI SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION - PRESS FREEDOM On February 4, conservative, independent "La Tercera" (circ. 102,000) ran an editorial entitled "Much More Than Just Caricatures." Quote: "Relations between the West and some radical Islamic sectors stand today at a dangerous point of tension.... The problem is that the conflict compromises values which are fundamental for both cultures ... such as tolerance, respect, and acceptance of diversity ... and freedom of the press and independence from political power, which are non-negotiable.... This is not a religious matter. Underlying the protest of these fundamentalist groups is a hatred of the West because of what it stands for, what it has achieved, and its hegemonic position today.... The West cannot allow threats of violence to determine its course of action. It must find communicate with those sectors of Islam that are seeking to make it easier for civilizations in an increasingly globalized world to co-exist .... But the basic foundation for this dialogue must be mutual respect for those differences that enrich us." KELLY