AMBASSADOR WAYNE'S JANUARY 25 MEETING WITH

C O N F I D E N T I A L BUENOS AIRES 000148

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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

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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