MEDIA REPORT - HAITIAN ELECTIONS

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 000074

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR R/MR, I/PP, WHA/BSC, WHA/PDA, INR/IAA, PM, INL
STATE FOR INR/R/MR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OPRC CI HA
SUBJECT: MEDIA REPORT - HAITIAN ELECTIONS



1. Four newspapers and one television station carried stories
featuring Chilean officials' remarks on the ongoing situation in
Haiti. The GOC reiterated its commitment to maintaining peacekeepers
in Haiti for at least another 12 months while dismissing calls to
withdraw soldiers after the elections. Chilean and OAS officials
noted that recent violence has given to more tranquil days and the
Minustah Chief appreciated the support he has received from ordinary
Haitians. Summaries of press articles:


2. Conservative, independent "La Tercera" (circ. 102,000): "Chilean
Minister of Defense Jaime Ravinet: GOC Bets On Troops Remaining in
Haiti Another Year or Two" Minister Ravinet assessed the situation
in Haiti after last Saturday's death of the Brazilian military
leader there. Ravinet said the U.N. mission should support the
inauguration of the elected Haitian president and remain there
another 24 months. However, he admitted the Chilean authorities
that assume in March would make the final decision, saying, "The
true discussion will happen in June, with a new government and a new
parliament. Our prediction, and what we have discussed, is that we
envision another one or two years." Foreign Minister Ignacio Walker
reported "the situation remains calm but volatile due to the actions
of a few economically powerful groups who are determined to...impede
the democratic elections." The GOC said President Lagos would use
the Senate's authorization to extend Chilean troops' Haiti presence
until next June.


3. Business and financial "Diario Financiero" (circ. 20,000):
"Foreign Minister Walker Said 'Situation is Calm But Volatile':
Chile to Maintain Peacekeeping Troops in Haiti for Two Years." The
GOC reiterated Chile's commitment to Minustah's complex task and
noted that a date for presidential and legislative elections had
finally been established.


4. Conservative, afternoon "La Segunda" (circ. 31,834; 1/11): "Wave
of Support for Chilean Ambassador in Haiti and End of Attacks."
"The hate from some of (the Haitian) media generated a huge wave of
affection and solidarity, reinforced by the death of Brazilian
General Bacellar. Haitians are stopping me on the streets to shake
my hands and inviting me to read Psalm 18 or Psalm 20. They are
expressing enormous affection by saying 'May the Lord Protect you'.
The ordinary Haitian is with us," said Minustah chief Juan Gabriel
Valdes, who reported that in previous days there had been radio
announcements in Creole every few minutes against the United
Nations, its soldiers, officials and him: "It was slander like those
on Rwandan radio before the massacres.... They called to empty the
cities. They characterized the military as kidnappers, rapists,
and...called me the author of Haitian society's destruction....
There is resistance among a few sectors that have abused this
society for centuries against a democratic process." OAS Secretary
General Jose Miguel Insulza felt that the situation in Haiti "is
moving toward calm these days. Even though it remains tense, I
wouldn't say the electoral process is in jeopardy. Although the
situation is on track, we have never said elections would be the end
of the road. It is a big concern that some have mentioned there
would be nothing to do after the elections. I read a statement by a
Chilean senator that worried me. This is not the moment to talk
about a post-vote withdrawal but rather about how we move forward."


5. Government-owned, editorially independent "La Nacion" (circ.
3,800): "(Chilean) Peacekeeping Troops Reaffirm Commitment to
Haiti"

KELLY