MEDIA REACTION - PRESIDENT BUSH'S TRAVEL TO LATIN AMERICA

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 000402

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR R/MR, I/PP, WHA/BSC, WHA/PDA, WHA/EPSC

STATE FOR INR/IAA, PM, INL

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OPRC CI
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION - PRESIDENT BUSH'S TRAVEL TO LATIN AMERICA


1. On March 8, conservative, independent "La Tercera" (circ.
101,000) carried a column by political scientist Boris Yopo entitled
"Bush in Latin America." Quote:

"President Bush's trip to Latin American is related to the global,
regional, and domestic problems he is facing globally, regionally,
and domestically.... It is an attempt to rebuild ties with a region
where the United States has lost significant ground in the past
years and where the 'Chavista' expansion and the rise of other
anti-U.S. forces bring to the forefront the need to maintain the
continent as a strategic defense...as the United States faces
several challenges in the exercise of its global power.... The trip
is late...but can become the foundation for renewed dialogue in the
hemisphere, if and when Bush addresses problems that make difference
in the every day life of Latin American societies.... That is what
will eventually repair the U.S deteriorated image in the region."


2. On March 8, conservative, influential newspaper-of-record "El
Mercurio" (circ. 129,000) carried a column by former Chilean
diplomat Nelson Haddad, entitled, "The Purpose of his Trip."
Quote:

"President Bush's trip...is an effort to reach out to the region and
to deliver a signal of political and commercial interest to
strengthen existing ties and restore alliances that will help the
United States to recover its leading role in the continent.... This
trip can help build a new kind of association between the United
States and Latin America...through a joint dynamic initiative to
promote social development, economic growth, education, innovation,
strengthen democracy, and the environment."


3. On March 8, conservative, influential newspaper-of-record "El
Mercurio" (circ. 129,000) carried a column by international
commentator Karin Ebensperger entitled "Presidential Tour: Energy
and Influence on Target." Quote:

"(President Bush's trip to Brazil and other countries in the region
is of great interest, because it shows a change in attitude....
Overall the political goal of this visit is to strengthen Brazil's
role as a regional leader to counter Hugo Chavez' influence....
Although the President is not traveling with an elaborate agenda or
a generous wallet...the trip paves the way for a kind of cooperation
that has simply not existed during his administration. Let us hope
that this returned approach to Latin America is based on a modern
type of cooperation ...with no political intervention.... But above
all, that it differs as much as possible from the Alliance for
Progress...which included strong U.S. military presence and
influence, an agrarian reform, and state planning in all areas
that...did not benefit the poor or local industries."

KELLY