MEDIA REACTION - INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT (ICC)

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 000108

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 January 19, government-owned, editorially independent "La
Nacion" (circ. 4,200) carried an opinion column by international
pundit Raul Sohr entitled "Chile Humiliates Itself Before the
World." Quote:

"Once again Chile postponed the ratification of the International
Criminal Court... The parties on the right argue that the
ratification would cause friction with the United States... It is
clear that the United States will not maintain its policy for too
long because it is too costly.... Globalization requires a court
capable of judging those responsible for genocide and crimes against
humanity.... The existence of the U.S. prison camp in Guantanamo is
an affront to all humankind.... It is not sufficient for Washington
to say that it is fighting the 'war on terrorism'.... It is a
selfish and short-sighted calculation, typical of a misconstrued
national interest which has led (the U.S.) to stop a comprehensive
and unrestricted support of the ICC...."

KELLY