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

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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

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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

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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