US embassy cable - 05SANTIAGO1632

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 001632 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR R/MR, I/PP, WHA/BSC, WHA/PDA, 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 - IRA DECLARATION ON END TO 
ARMED STRUGGLE 
 
1.   On August 1, business and financial "Diario 
Financiero" (circ. 20,000) carried a commentary by 
international analyst Libardo Buitrago entitled, "IRA: 
A Timely Announcement."  Quote: 
 
"The Irish Republican Army (IRA)...handled the timing 
very well, because in the current high season for 
terrorism a political decision of this kind opens doors 
that they were unable to open with weapons.  Efforts 
must now be made to earn and build trust, a fundamental 
pillar for the future of a united Ireland.  The 
repercussions of the IRA's decision will go beyond the 
direct impact it will have on millions of people.  For 
the British government...it means that it can now use 
its security forces to fully fight Islamic terrorism." 
 
2.   On August 1, business and financial "Diario 
Financiero" (circ. 20,000) ran an editorial entitled, 
"End to 30 Years of Violence."  Quote: 
 
"The IRA's decision is a concrete expression of reason 
and common sense that is even more appreciated given 
the fear and terror sowed by Al Qaeda in the United 
States and several European capital cities.... As in 
any conflict, while the goals of all those involved 
might be understandable, the only weapon that can be 
used to reach those goals is a peaceful, political 
struggle within the framework of democracy." 
 
KELLY