MEDIA REACTION: EXPECTATIONS ABOUT UNASUR MEETING ON HAITI;

UNCLAS BUENOS AIRES 000158 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: EXPECTATIONS ABOUT UNASUR MEETING ON HAITI; THE ROLE OF THE UN; 2/9/10; BUENOS AIRES SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. Argentine media reported expectations that the Union of South American Nations (Unasur) meeting in Quito would lead to a South-South cooperation scheme aimed at boosting Haiti's development. Several papers cited comments of the Ambassador and Foreign Minister Jorge Taiana following their 2/8 meeting to discuss cooperation in Haiti. Only one paper, small circulation La Prensa, reported on U.S. medical assistance to a Haitian survivor. End summary. EXPECTATIONS ABOUT UNASUR MEETING -------------- ¶2. Local media underscored that Latin American presidents will use the 2/9 UNASUR meeting to promote a South-South cooperation scheme that will boost Haiti's development. Two papers noted that South American presidents gathered at the UNASUR meeting should promote a South-to-South cooperation scheme. La Prensa picked up an ANSA and EFE wire service cable, according to which spokespersons of the Haitian government said, "The meeting will serve to create a new South-South cooperation scheme and support for Haiti will be focused on short-run humanitarian aid and reconstruction initiatives for the medium and long term." Centrist Critica quoted Bolivian VP Garcia Linera that presidents attending the UNASUR meeting will also discuss the U.S. military presence in Haiti. http://criticadigital.com/index.php?secc=nota &nid=37319 THE AMBASSADOR MEETS WITH ARGENTINE FM TAIANA -------------- ¶3. Several national and provincial newspapers reported on the 2/8 meeting between the Ambassador and Argentine Foreign Minister Jorge Taiana to discuss cooperation efforts in Haiti (septel). (Note: News highlighted Taiana's remarks that the reconstruction efforts in Haiti should be led by Haitian authorities and the UN should coordinate international assistance. Earlier reports by Telam state-run news agency cited the Ambassador's praise for Argentina's role in the relief operations. End Note.) ¶4. Under the headline "One vote for autonomy," pro-government, left-of-center Pagina 12 reported, "Amid the criticism of the U.S. increasing military presence, FM Taiana reiterated that the reconstruction of Haiti should be managed by its local government." Conservative newspaper La Prensa headlined, "The UN should be in charge of the assistance, Argentina insists," and reported that FM Taiana reiterated that the Haitian government should lead the reconstruction of its country while that the U.N. should coordinate the international assistance. http://www.pagina12.com.ar/diario/elpais/1-13 9886-2010-02-09.html http://www.telam.com.ar/vernota.php?tipo=N&id Pub=177003&id=339941&d is=1&sec=1 http://www.publimetro.cl/nota/noticias/argent ina-gobierno-haitiano- debe-conducir-reconstruccion/CPIjbi!HHZcb5lS7 8lmKjowvTYBw/ http://www.univision.com/contentroot/wirefeed s/world/8139294.shtml http://www.clarin.com/diario/2010/02/09/elpai s/p-02136340.htm http://www.infobae.com/politica/499591-101275 -0-La-embajadora-los-E EUU-destac%C3%B3-el-rol-argentino-la-ayuda-Ha it%C3%AD http://www.derf.com.ar/noticias.asp?cod_des=3 19021&ID_Seccion=33 U.S. PHYSICIANS TAKE CARE OF HAITIAN UNDER THE RUBBLE -------------- ¶5. One paper covered the case of U.S. physicians providing medical assistance to a Haitian survivor. Under the headline "One Haitian spends four weeks under the rubble," La Prensa highlights that a group of U.S. physicians from the University of Miami took the survivor to a field hospital in Port-of-Prince. The paper adds that Haitian President Rene Preval said the latest death toll is of 250,000. To see more Buenos Aires reporting, visit our classified website at: http://www.state.sqov.gov/p/wha/buenosaires MARTINEZ