MEDIA REACTION - PRESS FREEDOM

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 000311

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


1. On February 11, center-left "Diario Siete" (circ. 23,000) carried
an editorial entitled, "Freedom of Expression and Religious
Co-Existence." Quote:

"Danish daily Jyllands Paoster, which published the Mohammed
cartoons that enraged the prophet's followers, apologized to the
Muslim world on Thursday. Freedom of expression must be compatible
with other liberties, including freedom of religion, which compels
us to recognize and respect religious diversity. No mass media can
claim to have 'absolute freedom.' There are restrictions (to the
freedom of expression) that have to do with common sense and not
just legal requirements. Democracy leaves room for irreverence, but
we must also consider the effects that these irreverent acts have on
our social co-existence and find norms that allow for co-existence
and civilized dialogue in today's world."


2. On February 11, conservative, influential newspaper-of-record "El
Mercurio" (circ. 116,807) carried a weekly round-up column entitled,
"The Debate on Freedom of Expression." Quote:

"It is evident that, in extraordinary situations, journalists must
be extremely careful in the handling of information that could hurt
cultural sensibilities. But, under the same circumstances, it is
not appropriate to establish regulations that could later lead to
greater problems in the exercise of our liberties."

KELLY