MEDIA REACTION: IRAN AND ITS NUCLEAR PROGRAM

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 000635

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

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

STATE FOR INR/R/MR, NEA/PDA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OPRC PTER CI IR
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION: IRAN AND ITS NUCLEAR PROGRAM



1. On April 18, conservative, independent "La Tercera" (circ.
101,000) carried an editorial by political scientist Boris Yopo
entitled "The United States and the Threat of War with Iran."
Quotes:


2. "Iran's intentions are clear. It wants...the international
community to recognize its status as a nuclear state and consolidate
its status as a regional power.... The relevant question today is
whether Iran would be willing to reach an understanding with the
major powers on the U.N. Security Council. In exchange for
abandoning its plans to build nuclear weapons, Iran would be
recognized tacitly for its new role in the Middle East. Thus far,
diplomatic pressure and sanctions have had no evident impact and the
alternative scenario, one of a military escalation, would be a
disaster for stability in the Middle East and would create an even
greater polarization between the west and the Muslim world....


3. "The joint action of the five permanent UNSC members will be
vital to avoid an escalation of the conflict. If this means
preventing the escalation of nuclear proliferation... perhaps
President Bush will have to accept the idea of leaving as a legacy
his recognition of Iran as a new regional power. There is still
time for diplomacy, but not much."

KELLY