MEDIA REACTION - INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT (ICC)

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 000807

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
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION - INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT (ICC)


1. On April 17, conservative, independent "La Tercera" (circ.,
102,000, 4/17) carried an editorial entitled, "Chile's Accession to
the International Criminal Court." Quotes:


2. "More than 100 countries have ratified the Rome
Statute...creating the International Criminal Court (ICC).... In
Chile, the president and the undersecretary of foreign affairs have
expressed the GOC's intention to ratify the statute, although the
latter said the GOC is waiting 'for the best time to do so,' in
reference to the demands the U.S. places on nations that adhere to
the ICC.


3. "This seems to be the most reasonable position, because on the
one hand it reflects political parties' almost unanimous interest
that Chile become part of the ICC, while on the other it protects
the good state of bilateral relations with the United States.... At
the beginning of the week, Chilean authorities said they were
awaiting the conclusion of the debate in Washington before resuming
the debate on the constitutional reform required for Chile's full
accession to the ICC. By doing this, Chile protects the strategic
relationship it has developed with the U.S....and by adhering to the
Rome Statute, clearly shows that multilateralism and respect for
international law are central elements to its foreign policy."

KELLY