AMBASSADOR WAYNE'S JANUARY 25 MEETING WITH

C O N F I D E N T I A L BUENOS AIRES 000148 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/25/2017 TAGS: PREL PGOV ECON AR SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR WAYNE'S JANUARY 25 MEETING WITH KIRCHNER INSIDER PARRILLI REF: BUENOS AIRES 01610 Classified By: Ambassador E. Anthony Wayne for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: On January 25, Ambassador Wayne called on Secretary General of the Presidency (President Nestor SIPDIS Kirchner's chief of staff) Oscar Parrilli. Parrilli said that the GOA is committed to serving as a positive example of democracy in the region and tries to demonstrate democratic values through its actions. He indicated that he believes that recent political developments in Bolivia and Ecuador are temporary, and that the "pendulum will swing back the other way." Parrilli also said that the Kirchner administration is proud of what it has accomplished on economic stability, human rights, and international relations, and that this is what Argentina needs right now. Parrilli expressed appreciation for close cooperation with the Embassy. He agreed to meet with Turner Broadcasting and discuss the possibility of a meeting with President Kirchner on Turner Broadcasting's investments in Argentina. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) On January 25, Ambassador Wayne paid a courtesy call on Secretary General of the Presidency (President Nestor Kirchner's chief of staff) Oscar Parrilli. Parrilli said that the GOA has had very good relations with the U.S. Embassy on a number of issues. He specifically highlighted Embassy assistance on security questions during the first few months of the Kirchner administration and the close cooperation his office had with the Embassy in planning for the Summit of the Americas in 2005. Parrilli described the relationship as fluid, respectful, and mature. He thanked the Ambassador for U.S. assistance after the 2001 financial crash and said that he looks forward to continued close relations. The Ambassador mentioned the upcoming visits of Attorney General Gonzalez and Under Secretary Burns and Assistant Secretary Shannon as examples of the increased U.S.-Argentina dialogue. ¶3. (C) Parrilli said that the GOA is committed to serving as a positive example of democracy in the region and tries to demonstrate democratic values through its actions. He indicated that he believes the recent political developments in Bolivia and Ecuador are temporary, and that the "pendulum will swing back the other way." Parrilli explained that, historically, countries like Bolivia and Ecuador have experienced authoritarian governments, rampant corruption, economic instability, and marginalization of large sectors of the population. He added tht unfortunately, the people of these countries associate these governments and conditions with U.S. support and, as a result, they currently are not receptive to U.S. foreign policy objectives. ¶4. (C) The Ambassador raised the issue of Turner Broadcasting's request for a meeting with President Kirchner to discuss the planned expansion of their operations and investments in Argentina. Parrilli immediately agreed to meet with Senior Vice President for Latin America Whit Richardson and assess the possibility of a meeting with President Kirchner for next week. Parrilli agreed that Turner Broadcasting's investments and planned expansion were good news for Argentina and stressed that investment is always a priority interest for his office. WAYNE