VZCZCXYZ0039
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHSG #1531 1991451
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 181451Z JUL 06
FM AMEMBASSY SANTIAGO
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 9606 UNCLAS SANTIAGO 001531 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR IIP/G/WHA, INR/R/MR, WHA/BSC, WHA/PDA, INR/IAA 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS:        
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION - MIDEAST - LEBANON, GAZA INCURSIONS 
 
 
 1. On July 14, private channel 4 Red TV: 
 
"Chile joined the international community in condemning violence in 
the Middle East.  Foreign Minister Alejandro Foxley met with the 
Ambassadors to Chile from Lebanon, Algeria, Jordan, Syria, and the 
Palestinian Authority.  Minister Foxley condemned Israel's military 
retaliation on Gaza and Beirut. 
 
 2. On July 14, private channel 11 Chilevision, international pundit 
Raul Sohr commented: 
 
"There is a subjacent conflict involving the U.S., the international 
community and specifically Israel over Iran's nuclear program, which 
is seen with suspicion because they believe (Iran) is developing an 
atomic bomb... This is a crisis that could escalate globally...and 
we are already seeing its direct consequences that affect all of us 
through oil prices..." 
 
 3. On July 14, private channel 9 Mega international commentator 
Libardo Buitrago said: 
 
"We are facing a non-declared war, which has a chance of a peaceful 
solution after Israeli Prime Minister Olmert said that Israel would 
end the military offensive under three conditions:  release of the 
two kidnapped soldiers, a Hezbollah cease-fire, and a U.N. 
resolution requiring the disarmament of the guerrilla..." 
 
 4. On July 15, private channel 11 Chilevision international analyst 
Raul Sohr noted: 
 
"The conflict is getting worse...It's beginning to configure a 
foreseeable picture.  Through land, air, and sea strikes Israel 
seeks to fence and completely seal Lebanon....  It is likely that in 
the next days Israel will enter Lebanon with its infantry...and we 
all know that when it comes to a face-to-face combat involving the 
infantry there is a rapid increase in the number of victims.... 
Israel intends a definitive strike on Hezbollah.  I believe it is 
very doubtful it will accomplish this.  Israel already tried this in 
the past with very minimal results....  The U.N. decision to send a 
three-party committee to assess the situation is laughable....  The 
background here is that the U.S. has provided its full support to 
Israel.  President Bush has justified Israel's military response, 
while France, Great Britain, and Russia have described it as an 
overreaction..." 
 
 5. On July 16, private channel 11 Chilevision international analyst 
Raul Sohr commented: 
 
"Things are going from bad to worse.  Israel increased the intensity 
of its shelling against Lebanon... The situation doesn't show 
chances of getting better. On the contrary, the leader of Hezbollah 
has said that they will go to a total war and that they have many 
arms and many surprises for Israel... For the first time, Iran has 
said something: that under no circumstances would Hezbollah disarm. 
Therefore, I believe that this crisis is under full development and, 
unfortunately, there is much violence and death to come..." 
 
 6. On July 16, conservative, influential newspaper-of-record "El 
Mercurio" (circ.116,807) carried an editorial entitled, "Crisis in 
the Middle East."  Quote: 
 
"The Israeli military actions in Lebanon...have led to a dangerous 
escalation...that calls for the immediate intervention of the 
Security Council and the guarantors of the 'roadmap' -- the United 
States, the European Union, Russia, and the U.N....  These powers 
should...help end the military actions and the inclination to 
disavow the sovereignty of states, regardless of the causes and 
provocations and beyond Israel's right to legitimate defense.... 
They should also try to achieve the return of the abducted soldiers 
and get guarantees of moderation from all parties involved....  This 
crisis calls for the promotion and effective intervention by the 
world leaders to immediately attain guarantees for peace and the 
respect of international law." 
 
YAMAUCHI