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