VZCZCXYZ0041
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHBU #0710 1031431
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 131431Z APR 07
FM AMEMBASSY BUENOS AIRES
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 7840
INFO RHMFISS/CDR USSOCOM MACDILL AFB FL//SCJ2//
RULGPUA/USCOMSOLANT

UNCLAS BUENOS AIRES 000710 
 
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; IMF AND ARGENTINA; TERRORISM; IRAN AND THE 
PERSIAN GULF; 04/13/07; BUENOS AIRES 
 
¶1. SUMMARY STATEMENT 
 
Key international stories today focus on the IMF postponing its 
audit of Argentina's economy; implications of savage terrorist 
attacks in Northern Africa; and the regional strategic role of 
Iran. 
 
¶2. OPINION PIECES AND EDITORIALS 
 
- "The IMF will not audit Argentina this year" 
 
Marcelo Bonelli, economic columnist of leading "Clarin, " penned 
(04/13) "Economy Minister Felisa Miceli will return from the US with 
a political accomplishment - the IMF will not audit the economy this 
year and will not send a delegation... to look into what it believes 
are contradictions in the Argentine (economic) model. 
 
"The decision has been negotiated although it will be made public at 
this weekend's IMF meetings in Washington. 
 
"IMF Managing Director Rodrigo de Rato agreed not to review the 
economy (as part of the annual Article IV review) until after 
elections... 
 
"The IMF's latest work poses a central question - it disapproves of 
Nestor Kirchner's macroeconomic program due to inconsistencies and 
calls for the implementation of a new orthodox strategy in 
Argentina. 
 
"The IMF is the spokesperson of the G7, the US Treasury Department, 
international bankers and multinational corporations. In principle, 
(US) Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson is reported to be avoiding a 
meeting with Minister Felisa Miceli." 
 
- "Al Qaeda expands its terror" 
 
An editorial in daily-of-record "La Nacion" reads (04/13) "In recent 
days, a wave of savage terrorist attacks has occurred, which reveals 
a strong flare-up of Islamic fundamentalist terrorist activities. 
 
"This has occurred particularly in Northern Africa, in the Magreb 
area... 
 
"... We should wonder why Northern Africa has become a new active 
scenario for international terrorism. First and foremost, 
frustration and hopelessness are usually triggered by poverty and 
misery, particularly among the youth. Secondly, authoritarian 
regimes, which do not respect citizens, constantly preach in favor 
of religious fanaticism. 
 
"Governments should remain alert to terrorist activities and protect 
the security of their own peoples. For this purpose, pro-activeness 
is is badly needed, not only on the domestic scene, but also to 
coordinate efforts with other States, as well as establishing proper 
policies and laws that, enable them to confront a clandestine enemy 
while honoring human rights, essential and political freedoms..." 
 
- "Tension in the Persian Gulf" 
 
Leading "Clarin" editorializes (04/13) "Iran's recent capture and 
release of 15 members of the UK military was immediately followed by 
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's announcement of a new 
nuclear technological breakthrough by his country. Both events 
reveal that Iran is a regional power that wants to force other 
countries to recognize it as part of the geopolitical scene in the 
Middle East and Persian Gulf. 
 
"The Iranian challenge is related to the panorama of severe 
instability and civil war in Iraq... 
 
"Iran is taking advantage of the delicate regional situation, which 
should be blamed on Washington and London's decision to invade Iraq 
in 2003... 
 
"... On the one hand, Iran is a necessary counterweight in seeking a 
way out of the civil war in Iraq. However, on the other hand, 
President Ahmadinejad's defiance to the international community 
makes him a factor of regional and international instability calling 
for some kind of non-military response from the international 
community." 
 
To see more Buenos Aires reporting, visit our 
classified website at: 
http://www.state.sqov.gov/p/wha/buenosaires 
 
WAYNE