Media Reaction SAO PAULO Doha-Ahmadinejad-H1N1 Flu and

UNCLAS SAO PAULO 000260 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 XM XR XF BR SUBJECT: Media Reaction SAO PAULO Doha-Ahmadinejad-H1N1 Flu and Obama 100 Days May 1-3, 2009 Friday, May 1st Title- Doha, a matter of security Editorial in center-right O Estado de S. Paulo (5-1) states: "The temptation of creating barriers to trade has become stronger with the global recession... Nevertheless, more than ever we must preserve and extend conditions for freedom in the global marketplace....More than ever it is vital to work for the conclusion of the Doha Round Trade talks....The new U.S President and any other new leader that is elected from now on [must know that] its contribution consists in resuming Doha Talks, restarting at the point reached by negotiators prior to its last interruption, without forcing talks back to its starting point. If this happens, we will need to face new and complicated discussions and the enormous benefits of extended trade liberalization will be delayed for many years, with great harm for all, but especially for developing economies." Title- The visitor Op-Ed in liberal Folha de S. Paulo (5-1) by Fernando Gabeira states: "In one of the most politically delicate international visits of the year, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad arrives in Brazil....For us, the visit will be an essential test in a world where Brazil's role as a pacifier will be always subject to passionate reactions." Friday, May 2nd Title- Less boldness Op-ed in center-right O Estado de S. Paulo (5-2) by Sergio Fausto, coordinator of studies and debates at iFHC (Fernando Henrique Cardoso Institute) and member of USP's Gacint states: "....less tactical boldness and greater concern in regards to values that we care for. That is what we need to enjoy more and better opportunities are arising for Brazil's interests and image in the world." Title- Correa and the Chavism Editorial in center-right O Estado de S. Paulo (5-2) notes: "....Despite his fussy moves, Correa keeps his image at a preventive distance from the most extreme moves of Chavism...." Sunday, May 3rd Title- Ahmadinejad Op-Ed in liberal Folha de S. Paulo (5-3) by Eliane Catanhede notes: "Washington treats Teheran as the enemy. Caracas treats it as a great friend. And Brazil does not want either of these things. It wants to ratify its foreign policy independently from major powers - (read here the U.S.) - and against isolationism. To isolate is to instigate the worst in people and countries. To include is to neutralize impetus and adventures. Like Brazil does with Venezuela.....Ahmadinejad's visit does not change anything overnight but may reinforce [the role of] protagonists that Lula and Brazil aim for and may open room for Iran's insertion into the world. Iran needs credit and the world needs peace...." Title- What has changed in 100 Days Editorial in center-right O Estado de S. Paulo (5-3) states: "....The parallelism between the project of rupture with the past in the domestic and external fronts is evident.... [Barack Obama's] audacious program was launched in these 100 days. He will have in front of him, from now on, bigger challenges than the ones he has already faced." Title- A new plot Op-ed in center-right O Estado de S. Paulo (5-3) by former President Fernando Henrique Cardoso says: ".... [President] Obama, in his first 100 days, has managed to re-draw the picture. He has not made miracles with the economy, because this does not exist. But he had the wisdom to show the signs that were hoped for, presenting a moral leadership to the world. To establish his steps he began by accomplishing his promises. The initial signs were auspicious. But more is needed...." Title- Old and New Ills Editorial in liberal Folha de S. Paulo (5-2) notes: "....Brazil looks more akin with Mexico than with the U.S. with regards to readiness to face public health challenges .....the country still lives together with old diseases like tuberculosis and Hansen's ....In Brazil, infectious diseases have lost their importance among causes of death....Nevertheless, their persistence....indicates that the country has not yet reached a minimally acceptable level of development in this crucial area." WHITE