ARGENTINA: AMBASSADOR'S FAREWELL ON VP COBOS

C O N F I D E N T I A L BUENOS AIRES 000653 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/04/2039 TAGS: PREL PGOV AR SUBJECT: ARGENTINA: AMBASSADOR'S FAREWELL ON VP COBOS REF: A. BUENOS AIRES 0443 AND PREVIOUS ¶B. BUENOS AIRES 0627 Classified By: Ambassador Wayne for reasons 1.4 (b) & (d). ¶1. (C) Summary: The Ambassador engaged with Vice President Julio Cobos during a June 1 farewell call at his Senate President office on improvements in bilateral cooperation over the past three years, Argentina's upcoming congressional elections, and the importance of a strong education system. Cobos wished the Ambassador well in Afghanistan, noting that the Ambassador would face a situation in Afghanistan "even more complicated than Argentina's." Cobos, as in previous encounters, was warm and gracious. Professorial in speaking style, he comes across as deeply saddened about the current state of Argentina's institutions and what he perceives as Argentines' diminishing regard for the importance of education. End Summary. ¶2. (SBU) Ambassador Wayne paid a farewell call on Vice President Julio Cobos at his Senate office June 1. The Ambassador explained he was leaving Argentina to take up new duties in Afghanistan. Cobos replied that the Ambassador would confront a more complicated situation in Afghanistan than he has found in Argentina; although, Cobos added with a smile: "we Argentines are characters." The Ambassador said that he would leave Argentina with many POSITIVE memories, especially of the people and their warmth, intelligence, and strong work ethic. He noted that although Argentina has progressed, it has even greater potential to be a leader in South America, given its natural resources and the caliber of its people. ¶3. (C) Turning to foreign policy, Cobos said he hoped Argentina would improve its relations with the rest of the world. The Ambassador said that in his tenure, U.S. relations with Argentina have strengthened and expressed his hope that they would expand even further. He noted that over the last three years, the Embassy has implemented an English-language study program, offering scholarships to 600 underprivileged youth to study English in 2009. He added that language study and cultural exchanges are critical to fostering greater cross-cultural understanding. The Ambassador also expressed his appreciation for continued bilateral cooperation on counter-narcotics, trafficking-in-persons, and security-related issues. He relayed USG interest in additional bilateral exchanges between our respective legislative and judicial branches. On the Mid-Terms -------------- ¶4. (C) Cobos was hesitant to predict the outcome of the congressional elections on June 28, saying "we must wait and see what will happen." He noted that Argentina, with its 23 provinces and the capital district, is more than Greater Buenos Aires Province, in a clear reference to the Kirchners' efforts to focus attention on the results there, where they have their largest base of supporters (Ref A). He said he expected the Radical party to run a strong race in Mendoza and noted his difficulties in influencing the race as he is not a candidate and his popularity does not transfer to others, adding that Santa Fe Governor Hermes Binner of the Socialist party faces a similar challenge in Santa Fe province. (Note: As of May 2009 polling by IPSOS, Cobos's positive image nationwide is at 51%, making him the most popular national leader.) The Importance of a Solid Educational System -------------- ¶5. (C) Cobos, a former university professor, bemoaned the decline of public education as one of Argentina's principal challenges. He noted that the GOA in the 1990s transferred to the provinces responsibility without providing the necessary resources. He remarked that if Argentina is to be a "serious country" it needs to reestablish a high-quality education system valued by the public. He added that his father always encouraged him to regard education as an investment, a view that he believes fewer Argentine parents today are imparting to their children. Questions on General Motors' Bankruptcy -------------- ¶6. (C) Cobos asked the Ambassador for his take on General Motors' (GM) recent decision to file for bankruptcy. The Ambassador noted that although GM's bankruptcy is significant because of the company's size, it is one of thousands of U.S. businesses that enter bankruptcy each year. He noted that bankruptcy can provide companies an opportunity to reorganize and recover. (Ref B offers background on recent statements by GM's Argentine manufacturing affiliate that it is a separately incorporated stand-alone entity that will not be directly impacted by its U.S. parent company's Chapter 11 filing.) ¶7. (C) In closing, the Ambassador commended Cobos for his focus on the need to strengthen Argentina's institutions. Cobos said he hoped Argentina would become a more representative country, which would succeed in eliminating discrimination among its social programs and be marked by a strong education system. The Ambassador agreed that Argentina could benefit from stronger institutions. He noted that the Embassy will continue to welcome close relations at all levels of the GOA under the new Ambassador. Press Coverage -------------- ¶8. (SBU) Several newspapers published photos and excerpts from the Embassy's press release. Stories positively portrayed the meeting and the Ambassador's tenure in Argentina. Comment -------------- ¶9. (SBU) The state of Argentina's institutions has been a key focus of Cobos, who, during his tenure as Governor of Mendoza province, implemented a province-wide program aimed at strengthening institutions. Today, a similar program is being implemented in the national Senate, which aims to increase citizen participation in legislative affairs. ¶10. (C) Cobos, as he has been in previous encounters, was a warm and gracious host who put his guests at ease. Professorial in speaking style, he comes across as deeply saddened about the current state of Argentina's institutions and what he perceives as Argentines' diminishing regard for the importance of education. If Cobos can maintain his high popularity, we do not discount the possibility (which he has publicly floated) that he will make a run for the presidency. WAYNE