Media Reaction Sao Paulo - Global Economy: financial

UNCLAS SAO PAULO 000185 SIPDIS STATE INR/R/MR; IIP/R/MR; WHA/PD DEPT PASS USTR USDOC 4322/MAC/OLAC/JAFEE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KMDR OPRC OIIP KPAO XM XR XF BR SUBJECT: Media Reaction Sao Paulo - Global Economy: financial crisis; Western Hemisphere: Venezuela, Chavez's policies; looking ahead to the Summit of the Americas; March 24, 2009 Title- Cleaning balance sheets Editorial in liberal A Folha de S.Paulo (3-24) states: "....judging by main stock exchange reactions, which showed expressive rises after the announcement of the measures [US$ 1 trillion package], the project was very well received. Nevertheless, its success will depend upon the private sector adhesion to the proposal, which remains unknown." Title- Poor ignoramus Op-ed in liberal A Folha de S.Paulo (3-24) by Eliane Catanhede says: "[Hugo Chavez's latest measures] indicate a tense meeting in Trinidad and Tobago but for Lula nothing could be better. The more Chavez attacks, the more he [Lula] defends himself. That is how he is consolidating his image as a moderate leader, able to "calm down the beast"[soften him]. This time, for Obama." Title- When Lula meets Obama Op-ed in center-right Estado de S. Paulo (3-24) by former Brazilian Ambassador to the US Rubens Barbosa states: "...The Washington meeting [between Presidents Barack Obama and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva] was certainly important for its symbolism. In practical terms, little will change. The meeting was the recognition of Brazil's new role as a protagonist - the country presents itself as one with global interests - and another step towards its gradual differentiation in the South American context." STORY