MEDIA REACTION; IMF AND ARGENTINA; TERRORISM; IRAN AND THE

UNCLAS BUENOS AIRES 000710

SIPDIS

STATE FOR INR/R/MR, I/GWHA, WHA, WHA/PDA, WHA/BSC,
WHA/EPSC
CDR USSOCOM FOR J-2 IAD/LAMA

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KPAO OPRC KMDR PREL MEDIA REACTION
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION; IMF AND ARGENTINA; TERRORISM; IRAN AND THE
PERSIAN GULF; 04/13/07; BUENOS AIRES


1. SUMMARY STATEMENT

Key international stories today focus on the IMF postponing its
audit of Argentina's economy; implications of savage terrorist
attacks in Northern Africa; and the regional strategic role of
Iran.


2. OPINION PIECES AND EDITORIALS

- "The IMF will not audit Argentina this year"

Marcelo Bonelli, economic columnist of leading "Clarin, " penned
(04/13) "Economy Minister Felisa Miceli will return from the US with
a political accomplishment - the IMF will not audit the economy this
year and will not send a delegation... to look into what it believes
are contradictions in the Argentine (economic) model.

"The decision has been negotiated although it will be made public at
this weekend's IMF meetings in Washington.

"IMF Managing Director Rodrigo de Rato agreed not to review the
economy (as part of the annual Article IV review) until after
elections...

"The IMF's latest work poses a central question - it disapproves of
Nestor Kirchner's macroeconomic program due to inconsistencies and
calls for the implementation of a new orthodox strategy in
Argentina.

"The IMF is the spokesperson of the G7, the US Treasury Department,
international bankers and multinational corporations. In principle,
(US) Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson is reported to be avoiding a
meeting with Minister Felisa Miceli."

- "Al Qaeda expands its terror"

An editorial in daily-of-record "La Nacion" reads (04/13) "In recent
days, a wave of savage terrorist attacks has occurred, which reveals
a strong flare-up of Islamic fundamentalist terrorist activities.

"This has occurred particularly in Northern Africa, in the Magreb
area...

"... We should wonder why Northern Africa has become a new active
scenario for international terrorism. First and foremost,
frustration and hopelessness are usually triggered by poverty and
misery, particularly among the youth. Secondly, authoritarian
regimes, which do not respect citizens, constantly preach in favor
of religious fanaticism.

"Governments should remain alert to terrorist activities and protect
the security of their own peoples. For this purpose, pro-activeness
is is badly needed, not only on the domestic scene, but also to
coordinate efforts with other States, as well as establishing proper
policies and laws that, enable them to confront a clandestine enemy
while honoring human rights, essential and political freedoms..."

- "Tension in the Persian Gulf"

Leading "Clarin" editorializes (04/13) "Iran's recent capture and
release of 15 members of the UK military was immediately followed by
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's announcement of a new
nuclear technological breakthrough by his country. Both events
reveal that Iran is a regional power that wants to force other
countries to recognize it as part of the geopolitical scene in the
Middle East and Persian Gulf.

"The Iranian challenge is related to the panorama of severe
instability and civil war in Iraq...

"Iran is taking advantage of the delicate regional situation, which
should be blamed on Washington and London's decision to invade Iraq
in 2003...

"... On the one hand, Iran is a necessary counterweight in seeking a
way out of the civil war in Iraq. However, on the other hand,
President Ahmadinejad's defiance to the international community
makes him a factor of regional and international instability calling
for some kind of non-military response from the international
community."

To see more Buenos Aires reporting, visit our
classified website at:
http://www.state.sqov.gov/p/wha/buenosaires

WAYNE