MEDIA REACTION - WESTERN HEMISPHERE: COLOMBIA, FARC, U.S.

UNCLAS SAO PAULO 000489 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 - WESTERN HEMISPHERE: COLOMBIA, FARC, U.S. BASES, RELATIONS WITH VENEZUELA AND ECUADOR, SAO PAULO August 8 and 9, 2009- Weekend Edition Title- Drugs and Unrealism Op-ed in liberal Folha de S. Paulo (8-8) by Clovis Rossi says: "It is charming, but unrealistic, President Lula's thesis that South American countries should take over the fight against drug trafficking without 'foreign interference'.....It is unrealistic to exclude from the fight the country [U.S.] that is the main drug consumer. And it is not possible, as it is obvious, to end the offer if the demand remains powerful." Title- Lula's stubbornness Editorial in center-right O Estado de S. Paulo (8-9) states: "....Even having heard the same arguments that led the Presidents of Uruguay, Paraguay and Chile to distance themselves from the Venezuelan stance, President Lula was not convinced that Alvaro Uribe and Barack Obama are not colluding in a conspiracy to militarily conquer South America, starting with Venezuela. After two hours of conversations with Uribe, Foreign Minister Celso Amorim reported that President Lula was still fearful that U.S. troops may take actions outside the Colombian territory.....The Brazilian government pretended to be ignorant to once more help Chavez." Title- National Defense Editorial in liberal Folha de S. Paulo (8-9) notes: "The Brazilian Federal Government moves to buy military equipment raises a underlying question that needs a clear answer: Should Brazil reinforce its defense capacity? The unequivocal answer is yes......Brazil has military expenses that match its participation in the world economy......The problem is that the country spends badly.....Recognizing the need to reinforce the country's defensive power does not mean an invitation to adventures. Brazil does not need and should not stimulate regional arms races or raise concerns with regards to the use of nuclear energy....." WHITE