US embassy cable - 05SANTIAGO1607

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 001607 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR R/MR, I/PP, WHA/BSC, WHA/PD, INR/IAA, PM, INL 
STATE FOR INR/R/MR, NEA/PDA 
AMEMBASSY FOR PAO, IO 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR, KPAO, OPRC, PTER, CI, UK 
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION - END OF IRA'S ARMED STRUGGLE 
 
On July 29, government-owned, editorially independent 
"La Nacion" (circ. 3,800) ran a column by defense 
journalist Raul Sohr entitled, "The Conclusion of a 
Phase."  Quote: 
 
"The IRA ended more than 30 years of armed struggle.... 
In London there was enormous satisfaction over the 
IRA's announcement, as it reflects the success of a 
strategy that in recent years had emphasized political 
negotiations.  Despite attacks, the British government 
never cut its ties with Sinn Fein....  They were well 
aware of the communications channels between the 
political arm of the IRA and those who carried arms. 
They knew Sinn Fein was not merely a conduit to reach 
those in the underground, but also a means to influence 
them.  Many demanded that Sinn Fein be declared 
illegal, but vision triumphed over the pressure and the 
demands were resisted.  Thus ends a process that now 
buries weapons to fully enter politics. The latest 
election shows the IRA, through Sinn Fein, will harvest 
more victories with votes than with bombs." 
 
KELLY