MEDIA REACTION; UK PM TONY BLAIR'S DECISION TO STEP DOWN &

UNCLAS BUENOS AIRES 000915

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; UK PM TONY BLAIR'S DECISION TO STEP DOWN &
ITS IMPACT ON THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION; FIRST BIO-FUELS CONGRESS OF
THE AMERICAS; 05/11/07



1. SUMMARY STATEMENT

Today's major international stories include the impact on the Bush
administration of UK PM Tony Blair's decision to step down; and the
First Bio-Fuels Congress of the Americas, which will be held in
Buenos Aires and will feature former US VP Al Gore as the keynote
speaker.


2. OPINION PIECES AND EDITORIALS

- "Bush is now more isolated to defend the war in Iraq"

Hugo Alconada Mon, Washington-based correspondent for
daily-of-record "La Nacion," writes (05/11) "Tony Blair's decision
to step down after 10 years in power immediately impacted on the
White House. His friend, US President George W. Bush was left even
more isolated, particularly in defending the devastating war in
Iraq.

"Five years after the creation of the 'coalition of the willing,' it
has lost strength. At least 17 out of its 38 country-members have
left... And those who are still in it only contribute 14,200 troops,
some 10 per cent of the total number of troops. The UK contributes
7,200 troops, a little more than half of the total number of
soldiers. And this is one of the reasons why Blair is still today
more loved in the US than in his own country.

"Americans believe Blair to be a charismatic and well-prepared
leader, and while they (as well as the Brits) increasingly reject
the war, they also acknowledge Blair's monolithic partnership with
Bush and before that with Bill Clinton. According to Daniel
Benjamin, the head of the Europe-US Department at the Brookings
Institution, '(Blair) is considered a talented politician and a big
US friend.' 'In fact, he has done a better work than our own
government in justifying the war.

"... In spite of Blair and Bush's political sunset, analysts expect
that the 'vital relationship' between the two governments will
continue. Blair's probable successor, Gordon Brown, has a tougher
reputation than the outgoing leader. According to Nile Gardiner, the
head of the Margaret Thatcher Center at the conservative Heritage
Foundation in Washington, he could have a more distant relationship
with Bush.'"

- "Al Gore arrives (in Argentina) to promote investment in
bio-fuels"

Natasha Niebieskikwiat, political columnist of leading "Clarin,"
penned (05/11) "Al Gore has already caused the impact of a guru
expected by his followers with feverish anxiety. The former US VP
during the Clinton administration is arriving today in the country
and he will stay seven hours in Buenos Aires to lecture on the
environment and renewable energy...

"... Gore will close the First Bio-Fuels Congress of the Americas to
be held in Buenos Aires... Reportedly, the Argentine Government
negotiated until the last minute the attendance of Senator Cristina
Kirchner to the dinner party. Also Mayor Jorge Telerman showed
interest in approaching the Democrat.

"... Gore is anxiously awaited by those Argentines who see alliances
being made in the world to manufacture bio-fuels such as ethanol and
bio-diesel in order to replace non renewable resources like oil. And
Argentina is reported to have huge potential in the development of
bio-diesel."

- "The US proposes its cooperation in bio-diesel development"

Pablo Fernandez Blanco, columnist of business-financial "El
Cronista," reports "US DCM Michael Matera said yesterday that his
country is willing to engage in talks with Argentina to reach a
cooperation deal in the development of bio-fuels. In the framework
of the First Bio-Fuels Congress for the Americas, which is set to be
capped by former VP Al Gore today, Matera said 'Argentina will play
an essential role in the development of bio-fuels in the region.'
'The private sector will lead a real revolution in the manufacture
of bio-fuels,' although he underscored that 'governments should
create an appropriate framework for this to happen.'

"With the purpose of lowering the influence of oil byproducts in its
economy while restricting the power of Venezuelan President Hugo
Chavez..., the Bush administration started this year a crusade in
Latin America aimed at finding partners in the development of
bio-fuels. Firstly, it reached a framework deal with Brazil, and now
it intends to hold negotiations with Argentina with the same
purpose."



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

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