VZCZCXYZ0000
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHSG #0069 0221143
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 221143Z JAN 09
FM AMEMBASSY SANTIAGO
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 4312 UNCLAS SANTIAGO 000069 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR WHA/BSC 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS:        
SUBJECT: CHILE'S O'HIGGINS REGION: ABUNDANT IN COPPER, 
CONSERVATIVE POLITICS 
 
 1. SUMMARY: (SBU) On January 14, the Ambassador visited 
Chile's 6th region to meet local leaders and strengthen ties 
with an important economic and cultural area.  The 6th 
region, also called the O'Higgins Region after Chilean 
liberator Bernard O'Higgins, is located approximately 90 km 
south of Santiago.  It is a major agricultural producer and 
contains the world's largest underground copper mine, El 
Teniente.  In meetings with a congressman, the governor, and 
a local mayor, the Ambassador emphasized U.S. engagement with 
Chile in areas such as education, energy, and trade.  The 
congressman and mayor, both members of the conservative 
Independent Democratic Union party (UDI), said the Alianza is 
well positioned to succeed in the region and the country. 
Each official expressed interest in promoting further 
exchange and the visit generated positive coverage from local 
and regional press. END SUMMARY. 
 
 2. (SBU) Rancagua Mayor Eduardo Soto, who represents the 6th 
region's capital and largest city, warmly welcomed the 
Ambassador and noted this was the first visit by any 
Ambassador since his inauguration in December 2008.   A 
member of the UDI party, he stated the Alianza is well 
positioned to succeed in upcoming national elections.  He 
said public opinion in the 6th region is consistent with 
national polls that favor the center-right candidate 
Sebastian Pinera.  While acknowledging that "nothing is 
guaranteed," he seemed optimistic about the Alianza's future 
in the 6th region and the country.  Separately, Congressman 
Eugenio Bauer, also an UDI member, echoed the mayor's 
thoughts.  He added the campaign intensity will likely 
increase beginning in March. 
 
 3. (SBU) Governor Hernan Huenchullan, appointed by President 
Bachelet in 2007, emphasized the economic vitality of the 6th 
region, which has more than 30 vineyards and the world's 
largest underground copper mine.  The primary challenges 
include improving education, government services, and tourist 
infrastructure.  The Ambassador noted the significant 
increase in bilateral trade since the inception of the 
U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement and emphasized the benefits 
of free trade to the 6th region.  He explained USG efforts to 
expand educational opportunities through the Chile-California 
partnership, highlighted the visit to Chile by Apple 
representatives, and underlined the availability of 
university course materials through the internet. 
 
 4.  (SBU) Accompanied by Congressman Eugenio Bauer and 
EPOLOff, the Ambassador also visited Sewell - a company town 
founded by the American mining firm Braden Copper in 1904 to 
develop El Teniente, the world's largest underground copper 
mine.  Once home to more than 10,000 residents, including 
many American citizens, the town is now a UNESCO world 
heritage site and is being restored to capture its unique 
place in Chilean history.  Sitting atop copper reserves 
estimated to last another 90 years, Sewell serves as a link 
to the 6th region's past, present, and future.  While workers 
used to live in the town and work in the mine, employees 
today commute from the regional capital, Rancagua.  In the 
future, local officials hope those workers will be joined by 
tourists visiting Sewell.  The Ambassador's visit underscored 
the historic relationship and the bright future between the 
U.S. and the 6th region. 
SIMONS