MEDIA REACTION: U.S. ROLE IN HAITI; 2/5/10; BUENOS AIRES

UNCLAS BUENOS AIRES 000140 SIPDIS STATE FOR INR/R/MR, I/GWHA, WHA, WHA/PDA, WHA/BSC, WHA/EPSC CDR USSOCOM FOR J-2 IAD/LAMA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPRC KPAO KMDR PREL HA AR SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION: U.S. ROLE IN HAITI; 2/5/10; BUENOS AIRES U.S. ROLE IN HAITI; 2/5/10; BUENOS AIRES SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. Largest circulation Clarin's editorial on 2/5 acknowledged the U.S.' leading role in humanitarian relief efforts in Haiti, but said that more international cooperation is needed. The ten Americans who were formally charged by the Haitian government with child kidnapping and criminal association received moderate press coverage. Environmental Secretary Homero Bibiloni's op-ed in pro-government, business-financial Buenos Aires Economico urged developed countries to honor their "environmental debt" to developing countries. End summary. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF U.S. LEADING ROLE IN RELIEF EFFORTS -------------- ¶2. An editorial in largest circulation Clarin acknowledged the leading role played by the U.S. in relief efforts in Haiti. Clarin wrote, "The U.S. leads the efforts of humanitarian assistance with a military contingent in support of the peacekeeping troops already stationed on the island, and the largest amount of money." However, Clarin also editorialized that this is not enough and more international cooperation and assistance is needed. http://www.clarin.com/diario/2010/02/05/opini on/o-02133785.htm ¶3. Both conservative daily La Prensa and centrist Critica de la Argentina reprinted an AP, EFE ANSA wire service agencies cable that the ten U.S. Baptists arrested in Haiti were formally accused by the Haitian Public Ministry on child kidnapping and criminal association charges. La Prensa quoted Haitian Minister of Justice Paul Denis that the ten Americans ??????will be subject to trial in Haiti, for sure. They committed a crime in Haiti, and Haiti is where they should be tried." According to La Prensa, Denis added that extradition could be discussed only after the trial takes place. ¶4. La Prensa reported that the ten Americans aarrested could be sentenced to 5-15 years of imprisonment. For its part, Critica de la Argentina states that the ten Americans could be delivered to U. ¶S. authorities. http://www.laprensa.com.ar/353739-Acusan-a-10 -personas-por-el-robo- de-ninos-en-Haiti.note.aspx http://criticadigital.com/impresa/index.php?s ecc=nota &nid=38024 DEVELOPED COUNTRIES SHOULD HONOR THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL DEBT -------------- ¶5. An article by Argentine Environmental Secretary Homero Bibiloni in pro-government, business-financial Buenos Aires Economico claimed that Haiti is a clear example of prevailing global inequality. Bibiloni says that developed countries should honor their "environmental debt" to underdeveloped countries in the same way they demand the payment of the financial commitments owed to them. To see more Buenos Aires reporting, visit our classified website at: http://www.state.sqov.gov/p/wha/buenosaires MARTINEZ MARTINEZ