MEDIA REACTION- OBAMA'S SPEECH AT THE U.N.; FX-2 BID;

UNCLAS SAO PAULO 000569 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- OBAMA'S SPEECH AT THE U.N.; FX-2 BID; HONDURAS/OUSTED PRESIDENT ZELAYA "Obama's debut at the U.N." Editorial in center-right O Estado de S. Paulo (9-25) states: "....the high point of Obama's speech was the message that the attitudes of his country, and sometimes the ends of its actions, have changed...Obama has credentialed himself to lead the effort of gradually ending nuclear [weapons], and by promising that the U.S. will be guided by rules created in an multilateral context. In the Bush years, this would be unthinkable." "Sheltering democracy" Op-ed in liberal Folha de S. Paulo (9-25) by PT senator Aloizio Mercadante: "....Internally there are some people that have been taking advantage of the episode [of Zelaya's refuge at the Brazilian Embassy in Honduras] to attack Brazil and its government. The arguments are precarious. ...Brazil is taking part in an international effort to enable Honduras to re-find the path of dialogue and democracy.... Nonetheless, it is clear that shelter for Zelaya and the violent reaction of the de facto government has placed Brazil in an uncomfortable situation....During this delicate time, I believe that Brazil's unyielding defense of international law and of democracy is commanding...." "Bad luck and the Explanation" Op-ed in liberal Folha de S. Paulo (9-25) by Eliane Catanhede notes: "....It is unlikely that two planes of the same brand, the same Navy, and the same aircraft carrier, would have suffered separately breakdowns at the same time and crashed into the sea....but this is heating up the FX-2 competition....[Lula's apparent decision in favor of the Rafale...seems to carry a list of disadvantages, while advantages are not clear or consistent....In the end [the explanation for the choice is:] it is only because Lula wants it." WHITE