MEDIA REACTION: SECRETARY RICE VISIT TO CHILE

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 000604

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 CI
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION: SECRETARY RICE VISIT TO CHILE


1. On March 22, government-owned, editorially independent "La
Nacion" (circ. 3,800) carried an article by international analyst
Andre Grimblatt on Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's visit to
Chile entitled, "Condoleezza Rice Restores Order." Quote:


2. "The regional scenario is complex for the United States. On the
one hand it is losing economic leadership to China and on the other
technological leadership to Europe.... A large majority of Latin
American countries elected governments of the left and began reforms
aimed at autonomy and independent development.... Trade within
Mercosur has increased and an energy ring has been created. Worst
yet, alliances and treaties such as those between Venezuela and Iran
and Chile and China began to appear. Chile is a leader in this
movement and has the traits to be a good ally to help the United
States regain its lost leadership. This is why Rice visited us."

YAMAUCHI