CHILEAN MEDIA CRITICAL OF RCTV CLOSURE

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 000870 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR R, WHA/BSC, WHA/PDA, IIP/G/WHA, INR/R/MR, INR/IAA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KMDR KPAO OPRC KIPR PGOV CI SUBJECT: CHILEAN MEDIA CRITICAL OF RCTV CLOSURE ¶1. SUMMARY: Chilean dailies gave prominent coverage to the closing of RCTV in Venezuela, including critical editorials in influential El Mercurio and conservative La Tercera. With the exception of one Socialist Party Senator, leading political figures expressed opposition to Chavez's efforts to eliminate freedom of expression in Venezuela. Excerpts from May 26-28 follow. End Summary. Editorials Blast Chavez -------------- ¶2. On May 27, conservative, influential, newspaper-of-record "El Mercurio" (Sun. circ. 260,108): "Venezuela, a Concern in the Continent," stated: "The concern in the continent (over RCTV) has been widely manifested.... Organizations such as Human Rights Watch, the Inter-American Press Association, the International Radio and Television Association, and the U.S. and Chilean Senates...among many others have expressed their concern. The Catholic CHURCH and public opinion in Venezuela have also raised their voice against Chavez' decision.... Even supporters of the Chavez regime prefer to have the freedom to criticize and warn about the threat of an excessive concentration of power.... The closure of RCTC marks before and after the alarming deterioration of Venezuela's democracy." ¶3. On May 27, conservative, independent "La Tercera" (Sun. circ. 222,084: "Attack on Freedom of Expression in Venezuela," published: "Although Venezuela is sovereign to follow the policies it deems best for its development, there is no question that the successful operation of a democratic system requires an adequate counterbalance to prevent an eventual abuse of power and promote the debate of ideas. But for this to happen it is key to have respect for freedom of expression and the press.... The closure of RCTV in Venezuela is a concern because of the path that country has begun -- threatening one of the fundamental pillars of any democratic system: freedom of expression." ¶4. On May 27, "La Tercera" printed a Staff Opinion column identified by the acronym JPI: "closing RCTV is a threat to a key element of democracy: The open market of ideas of which John Milton spoke about and is necessary to distinguish between right and wrong." Critical Headlines -------------- ¶5. Conservative, influential newspaper-of-record "El Mercurio" (circ. 129,000): "Chavez Government Criticized in all Latin America for Closing RCTV" (5/29); "Closing of Television Station Strengthens Hugo Chavez' Media Power in Venezuela" (5/27); "U.S. Senate Asks OAS to Act over Closure of Venezuelan TV" (5/26); "Television Director Accuses Venezuela of Totalitarianism" (5/28); "Hugo Chavez Closes RCTV at Midnight after Incidents and Massive Demonstrations" (5/28); "RCTV director Marcel Granier: 'We are in the Hands of a Militaristic, Abusive, and Domineering Government" (5/27). ¶6. Conservative, independent "La Tercera" (circ. 101,000): "Chavez Closes RCTV in spite of Demonstrations for Freedom of Expression" (5/27); "Cristina Marcano, author of Chavez' biography: 'Closing RCTV is a Key Decision for Chavez Political Project'" (5/27); "Chavez now Controls 10 of the 12 Television Stations" (5/29). Political Figures Speak Out -------------- ¶7. Senate President Eduardo Frei (DC): "Although the Venezuelan government has the right (to close RCTV), no one can ignore the fact that this decision is an obstacle to freedom of expression and information." (Government-owned, editorially independent, 5/28, "La Nacion") ¶8. FORMER Foreign Affairs Minister Ignacio Walker: "The Christian Democratic Party is not part of any axis opposing the Venezuelan process, but this process is moving toward a self-centered (oriented) regime that does not coincide with the normal functioning of a representative democracy." (Conservative, independent, Sat. circ. 195,626, 5/26, "La Tercera") ¶9. The GOC is aware that any opinion regarding RCTV could have negative repercussions in its relation with Venezuela and has chosen not to comment on the matter. Minister to the Presidency Jose Antonio Viera Gallo reiterated that Chile's foreign policy is based on the principle of non-intervention in other countries. ("El Mercurio" 5/28) ¶10. Government coalition congressmen and party leaders want the GOC to formally protest President Chavez's closing RCTV on the grounds that it violates freedom of expression. Christian Democratic Party (PDC) National Secretary Moiss Valenzuela underscored, "In the past, we expected international action to uphold freedom and human rights in Chile; today we also hope for a strong commitment for freedom in Venezuela." Opposition RN Senator Sergio Romero called on OAS Secretary General Jos Miguel Insulza to take action and activate the "democratic clause" in international treaties. ("El Mercurio," 5/29) ¶11. As the sole voice defending Chavez's closure of RCTV, Socialist Party Senator Alejandro Navarro stated in a letter-to-the-Editor that the decision was a sovereign and legal action. He emphasized that RCTV had violated the laws of corporate responsibility and Venezuela's constitution by supporting the attempted coup in April ¶2002. ("El Mercurio," 5/28) KELLY