VZCZCXYZ0000
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHBU #0428/01 0541422
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 231422Z FEB 06
FM AMEMBASSY BUENOS AIRES
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 3586
INFO RHMFIUU/CDR USSOCOM MACDILL AFB FL//SCJ2//
RULGPUA/USCOMSOLANT

UNCLAS BUENOS AIRES 000428 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR INR/R/MR, I/GWHA, WHA, WHA/PDA, WHA/BSC, 
WHA/EPSC 
CDR USSOCOM FOR J-2 IAD/LAMA 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KPAO OPRC KMDR PREL MEDIA REACTION
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION NEW AMBASSADOR IN ARGENTINA, 
HAMAS-ISRAEL, AVIAN FLU, HAITI; BUENOS AIRES 02/21/06 
 
 
¶1. SUMMARY STATEMENT 
 
Major stories today refer to Ambassador Wayne's 
designation, its positive repercussions in Argentina 
and the possible topics he will be addressing; Hamas' 
difficult relationship with Israel; the aftermath of 
Haiti's elections and the global concern posed by the 
avian flu and its economic repercussions. 
 
¶2. OPINION PIECES AND KEY STORIES 
 
- "Bad News" 
 
Marcelo Cantelmi, center-left, leading "Clarin" 
international editor, writes (02/20) "It's bad news. 
Israel's toughened stance - calling the NPA 'terrorist 
authority' and blocking the transfer of NPA funds -- 
will only strengthen the hardest Palestinian sectors. 
Part of those actions were the ones which, in the end, 
paved the way for Hamas to reach the government via 
clean elections, setting aside Al Fatah's moderate 
leadership. The fact that this group decided to take 
part in the elections is a positive fact. The 
democratic tool proved it's possible to accumulate a 
broad and decisive power which terrorist attacks deny. 
It also opened the door to political sectors - a 
necessary ingredient in a theocratic organization that 
denies individual rights and wants to build a radical 
Islamic State. This goal isn't shared by the entire 
Palestinian people. But if the calamities of this 
group worsen, this will obviously benefit the most 
radical sector." 
 
- "U.S. Decides to Send FTAA Crusader to Buenos Aires" 
 
Marcelo Raimon, Washington-based contributor, writes 
in center-right "Perfil" (02/20) "The new U.S. 
Ambassador in Argentina, Earl Anthony Wayne, is not 
only a career diplomat. He's a man of important 
intellectual background who, in addition, faithfully 
represents the pivots of 'the new U.S. foreign policy' 
following 9/11: fighting terrorism, 'exporting' 
democracy, promoting free trade, not only with 
economic goals but, particularly, as an instrument to 
prevent poverty from fuelling extremism. 
 
"This is to say, Wayne is on the opposite side of Lino 
Gutierrez, a more 'political' diplomat coming from the 
'Cuban' sector led by Otto Reich... Unlike Gutierrez, 
Wayne is a low profile official; lobbying in favor of 
U.S. corporations isn't among his key occupations. 
 
".... A graduate from two of the most prestigious U.S. 
universities, it will be hard to see Wayne engaging in 
verbal fencing as the Ambassador in Caracas, William 
Brownfield does... But, undoubtedly, we must be on the 
alert for a possible outbreak of real interest for one 
of the key issues in his resume: tracking down the 
financial networks of Islamic Fundamentalist groups; 
and, in this case, looking towards the Tri-border 
Area. 
 
"In his opinion, national security and the economic 
development of the poorest countries are closely 
intertwined. Washington doesn't want the slightest 
trace in 'Latin America's backyard' of what the White 
House considers 'terrorist groups.' With the delay in 
the FTAA, the U.S. decided to speed-up bilateral and 
regional negotiations, opening the door to agreements 
with Chile, Peru and CAFTA, while it continues 
negotiations with Panama, Colombia, Ecuador and, 
perhaps, Uruguay." 
 
- "Soya Bean Accelerates Wayne's debut" 
 
Ana Baron, center-left, leading "Clarin" Washington- 
based correspondent, opines (02/21) "Only five days 
ago the GOA accepted his credentials as the new U.S. 
ambassador in Argentina. The Senate hasn't confirmed 
him yet. But Earl Anthony Wayne is already analyzing 
problems which, unless they're solved, will continue 
to be on his agenda when he lands in Buenos Aires in 
June. One of them is the conflict between Monsanto and 
Argentina, which involves no less than 2 billion 
dollars. 
 
"In his position as Deputy Assistant Secretary for 
 
Economic and Business Issues... Wayne will today 
receive the Argentine Secretary of Agriculture, Miguel 
Campos. Although the interview was arranged several 
weeks ago, Campos will take the opportunity to explain 
to Wayne the details of the conflict and will 
undoubtedly request his help. 
 
".... Wayne, an expert on patents, wrote an op-ed for 
Clarin which appeared on June 24. This is to say, he's 
well aware of the topic. But, given that this is a 
legal problem which, for the time being, is in Europe, 
he'll probably maintain an understanding attitude, but 
won't commit to any concrete mediation. In any case, 
Wayne is most likely aware that there are other U.S. 
companies affected by the problem that will pressure 
in favor of Argentina...." 
 
- "Chaos' Lessons" 
 
Marcelo Cantelmi, center-left, leading "Clarin" says 
(02/18) ".... Despite an atmosphere of national 
dissolution and unstoppable degradation, there was a 
game of pressure that not only stopped the elections 
on four occasions. It also tried to lead the country 
to new chaos, via a runoff that only added fuel to the 
fire. The goal of that minority was to prevent Preval 
from reaching power although the cost of this could 
have led to another degree of anarchy. It's easy to 
imagine what could have happened if this agreement 
hadn't been reached. In truth, this solution didn't 
necessarily save Haiti. But the other one would most 
likely have led it to destruction." 
 
- "OAS Urges to Maintain Haiti's Support" 
 
Hugo Alconada Mon, center-right, daily-of-record "La 
Nacion" Washington-based correspondent, says (02/19) 
"In an interview, John Maisto said 'The commitment of 
the hemisphere and the international community with 
Haiti must continue for years.' 
 
".... Aside from praising the role of the 
international community in Haiti, he's very careful 
with Argentina and Venezuela, reiterating that 
responsibilities are, above all, domestic. 'There 
aren't magic formulas,' he said. 
 
"'Haiti has experienced tremendous difficulties of all 
kinds... But let's be patient. The important thing is 
that it moves forward in the process that began on the 
day of the elections. The Haitian people voted 
massively, like never before, and the international 
community, with the presence of the Minustah, the OAS 
and other organizations, are supporting them, even 
with 1.2 billion dollars in aid of which the U.S. will 
supply 300 million,' said Wayne, who added... 'The 
link between democracy and development is the nucleus. 
Holding elections isn't enough. It's necessary to have 
democratic governments with credible and democratic 
institutions; a government that will invest in its 
citizens, their health and education, and to promote 
the appropriate policies for its growth. This 
combination creates the synergy that leads to 
prosperity,' said Maisto...." 
 
- "Industry in Jeopardy" 
 
Claudio Mario Aliscioni, center-left, leading "Clarin" 
says (02/21) "Clearly, there are a handful of reasons 
that forced the key European governments to initiate 
now an offensive against the 'avian flu.' In addition 
to the obvious purpose of keeping public health at bay 
from any risk in the richest countries, we now have 
the specific interests of a poultry industry that 
moves billions of dollars in trade. This is clear in 
France and Italy, with renowned cuisines of 
international fame. The future of the economy is 
jeopardized by the fears of a population - refined in 
its taste and consumers of white meat -- 
that cut back on its consumption of poultry." 
 
¶3. To see more Buenos Aires reporting, visit our 
classified website at: 
http://www.state.sqov.gov/p/wha/buenosaires 
 
The Media Reaction Report reflects articles and 
opinions by the cited news media and do not 
 
necessarily reflect U.S. Embassy policy or views.  The 
Public Affairs Section does not independently verify 
information.  The report is intended for internal U.S. 
Government use only. 
 
GUTIERREZ