MEDIA REACTION - U.S. AND LATIN AMERICA

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 001112

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR R/MR, I/PP, WHA/BSC, WHA/PD, INR/IAA, PM, INL
STATE FOR INR/R/MR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OPRC PTER CI
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION - U.S. AND LATIN AMERICA



1. On July 14, conservative, independent "La Tercera" (Sat. circ.
195,626) ran an editorial entitled, "The U.S. and Latin America: A
Strategic Relation." Quote:


2. "In recent days several high-ranking U.S. government officials
have visited several countries in Latin America, including
Chile...consistent with the desire expressed at the beginning of the
year by the White House of wanting to strengthen ties with the
region.... If all this constitutes true evidence that Washington
has decided to give Latin AMERICA -- in the strategic sense -- the
importance the region deserves ...then it is a chance to explore the
enormous potential of mutual benefits that a flowing relationship
can offer.... Issues such as massive immigration and its effects,
narcotics trafficking, democracy, security, and China's growing
interest in the region are also powerful reasons for Washington to
want to relate constructively with Latin America.... Although there
is no question that the current and renewed U.S. interest is part of
a reaction to the so-called populist anti-American axis formed by
countries such as Venezuela, Cuba, Bolivia and Ecuador, this does
not mean we should disdain this opportunity to strengthen a
relationship that, for both the United States and Latin America, is
as important as it is inescapable." KELLY