Escándalo mundial: revelación de cables estadounidenses

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AMEMBASSY LONDON

STATE GRNC

UNCLASSIFIED BUENOS AIRES 2481 

Original Telegram was Confidential but has since been 

de-classified 

--------------------------------------------- ---- 

Copy from the National Archives 

RG 59: General Records of the Department of state 

1964-66 Central Foreign Policy File 

File: POL 33-4 ARG 

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E.O. 12958: DECL: DECLASSIFIED BY NARA 09/02/2009 

TAGS: EFIS PBTS AR  

SUBJECT: EXTENDED NATIONAL JURISDICTIONS OVER HIGH SEAS 

REF: STATE 106206 CIRCULAR; STATE CA-3400 NOV 2, 1966 

¶1. PRESS REPORTS AND VARIETY EMBASSY SOURCES CONFIRM 1. PRESS REPORTS AND VARIETY EMBASSY SOURCES CONFIRM 

NEW ARGENTINE LEGISLATION UNILATERALLY CHANGING SEAS JURIS- 

DICTION NOW UNDER ADVANCED REVIEW. REPORTEDLY LAW WOULD 

ESTABLISH SIX MILE TERRITORIAL SEA, PLUS ANOTHER SIX MILES 

OF EXCLUSIVE FISHING JURISDICTION, PLUS ANOTHER EXTENDED ZONE 

OF "PREFERENTIAL JURISDICTION" FOR FISHING PURPOSES. DRAFT- 

LAW UNDER CONSIDERATION IN ARGENTINE SENATE BEFORE JUNE 28 

COUP WOULD HAVE DEFINED ZONE OF PREFERENTIAL JURISDICTION 

AS "EPICONTINENTAL SEA OUT TO 200 METER ISOBAR". IN SOUTHERN 

ARGENTINA THIS ZONE SEVERAL HUNDRED MILES WIDE AND BLANKETS 

FALKLAND ISLANDS. 

¶2. NAVATT STATES ARGENTINE NAVY THINKING OF PREFERENTIAL 2. NAVATT STATES ARGENTINE NAVY THINKING OF PREFERENTIAL 

JURISDICTION OUT TO 200 MILES (AS IN PERU, ECUADOR, CHILE) 

RATHER THAN EPICONTINENTAL SEA. 200 MILE LIMIT DOES NOT 

RPT NOT REACH FALKLANDS. ARGENTINE NAVY OFF TOLD NAVATT 

"200 MILE LIMIT SOON WILL BE STANDARD THROUGH HEMISPHERE". 

¶3. FONOFF OFFICIALS REFERRING TO RECENT BRAZILIAN AND US 3. FONOFF OFFICIALS REFERRING TO RECENT BRAZILIAN AND US 

LEGISLATION HAVE INFORMALLY INDICATED DECISION ALREADY 

FINAL RE SIX MILE TERRITORIAL SEA PLUS SIX MILE EXCLUSIVE 

FISHING JURISDICTION, BUT THAT "PREFERENTIAL JURISDICTION" 

STILL UNDER STUDY. TWO FONOFF MEN VOLUNTARILY AND INFORMALLY 

SOUGHT EMBASSY REACTION TO POSSIBLE EXTENDED PREFERENTIAL 

JURISDICTION BY SUGGESTING THAT US IN FACT HAS ACCEPTED 

UNILATERALLY CREATED ECUADORIAN, PERUVIAN AND CHILEAN 200 MILE 

LIMITS. EMBOFF REJECTED IDEA US ACCEPTS THESE LIMITS IN ANY 

WAY AND POINTED OUT 1965 AMENDMENTS TO AID LEGISLATION AIMED 

AT FURTHER PROTECTING US FISHING RIGHTS. 

¶4. FONOFF LEGAL ADVISOR CONCEDES DISTINCTION BETWEEN 4. FONOFF LEGAL ADVISOR CONCEDES DISTINCTION BETWEEN 

"EXCLUSIVE" AND "PREFERENTIAL" FISHING JURISDICTION A SEMANTIC 

NICETY. HE UNDERSTANDS THAT IN ZONE OF "PREFERENTIAL" JURIS- 

DICTION ARGENTINA WOULD CLAIM RIGHT TO TAX, LICENSE AND OTHER- 

WISE CONTROL ALL ACTIVITIES RELATED TO EXPLOITATION OF 

RESOURCES OF SEA. 

¶5. DRAFT LEGISLATION ON SEAS JURISDICTION LAY DORMANT UNTIL 5. DRAFT LEGISLATION ON SEAS JURISDICTION LAY DORMANT UNTIL 

SUDDEN AND SUBSTANTIAL IN FISHIN ARGENTINE EPICONTINENTAL SEAS 

BY CUBAN AND EAST EUROPEAN (ESPECIALLY SOVIET) VESSELS PAST 

SIX MONTHS ALARMED ARGENTINE ARMED FORCES. (SEE NAVATT IR 

5-804-0-140-66 OF NOV 18) NOT RPT NOT ALL SOVIET VESSELS WERE 

FISHING OR FACTORY TYPES. FONOFF SOURCES INFORMALLY STATE 

ARMED FORCES PRESSURE MAKES EMISSION NEW LAW IMPERATIVE, QUITE 

POSSIBLY APPEARING WITHIN NEXT FEW WEEKS. WHEN ASKED BY FONOFF 

MEN ABOUT "SECURITY PROBLEMS CREATED BY SOVIET TRAWLERS OFF US 

COAST", EMBASSY OFF REPLIED US DID NOT RPT NOT SEE THAT 

UNILATERAL ATTEMPT TO EXTEND SEAS JURISDICTION OFFERED ANY 

REALISTIC SOLUTION FOR POSSIBLE SECURITY PROBLEMS, WHILE SUCH 

ACTION COULD CREATE NEW SOURCES POSSIBLE MISUNDERSTANDING AND 

CONFLICT. 

¶6. RE PAR 3 STATE 106206 BELIEVE OUTLINED PROPOSAL MIGHT 6. RE PAR 3 STATE 106206 BELIEVE OUTLINED PROPOSAL MIGHT 

FORESTALL UNILATERAL ARGENTINE ATTEMPT TO SUBSTANTIALLY EXTEND 

"PREFERENTIAL" FISHING JURISDICTION ONLY IF EMBASSY CAN BE 

AUTHORIZED DISCUSS IDEA WITH ARGENTINES IMMEDIATELY. EVEN THEN 

CHANCES SUCCESS LIMITED BY (A) ADVANCED STAGE PROPOSED ARGENTINE 

LAW AND (B) PRIMACY SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS ARGENTINE THINKING. 

WE WOULD BENEFIT SOME FROM FONOFF LEGAL ADVISORS' QUALMS ABOUT 

UNILATERAL ACTION, AND FROM RESTRAINT OF RECENT BRAZILIAN 

LEGISLATION WHICH DID NOT RPT NOT GO BEYOND 12-MILE LIMIT. 

¶7. FOR DISCUSSION WITH ARGENTINES WOULD MODIFY TEXT IN STATE 7. FOR DISCUSSION WITH ARGENTINES WOULD MODIFY TEXT IN STATE 

10942 CIRCULAR TO: (A) MAKE ALL REFERENCES TO ARGENTINA, VICE 

CANADA; (B) REFER TO PROPOSED ARGENTINE CLAIMS OF PREFERENTIAL 

JURISDICTION OVER WATERS WE REGARD AS HIGH SEAS; (C) ELIMINATE 

REFERENCES TO "TRADITIONAL DISTANT WATER FISHERIES", SINCE 

ARGENTINE COAST NOT RPT NOT TRADITIONAL FISHING ZONE (WHEREAS 

NO. 3); (D) ADD NOTATION THERE NO TRADITIONAL FISHING AND 

CONFINE OPERATIVE AGREEMENT TO PROVISIONS FOR NON-TRADITIONAL 

FISHING; (E) ELIMINATE LAST THREE PARS OF AIDE-MEMOIRE HANDED 

TO CANADIAN AMB. 

¶8. IF AUTHORIZED, ENVISAGE TWO-STEP APPROACH TO FONOFF. 8. IF AUTHORIZED, ENVISAGE TWO-STEP APPROACH TO FONOFF. 

FIRST, INFORMAL AND ORAL, STRESSING OUR INTEREST IN FREEDOM OF 

HIGH SEAS, NOTING EARLIER FONOFF CONFIRMATION NEW LAW UNDER 

STUDY, OUTLINING OUR PROPOSAL IN GENERAL TERMS. ON BASIS 

FONOFF REACTION, WE WOULD THEN COUCH AIDE-MEMOIRE IN TERMS 

WHICH WOULD APPEAR MOST LIKELY TO SUCCEED. 

GP-3 

SACCIO

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INFO MERCOSUR COLLECTIVE

RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHINGTON DC

C O N F I D E N T I A L BUENOS AIRES 001311 

SIPDIS 

EO 12958 DECL: 2019/12/31 

TAGS PREL, OVIP, ECON, KPAO 

SUBJECT: (C) ARGENTINE GOVERNMENT TAKES UMBRAGE AT WHA A/S 

VALENZUELA’S REMARK REGARDING BUSINESS COMMUNITY’S CONCERNS

DERIVED FROM: DSCG 05-1 B, D

¶1. (C) Summary: The GOA responded with heavy artillery to a remark WHA A/S Valenzuela made during a December 16 press roundtable. Immediately after the press roundtable, Argentine media started focusing almost exclusively on A/S Valenzuela’s remark that the American business community in Argentina had conveyed to him concern about rule of law and management of the economy in Argentina. The press reported that Valenzuela contrasted these concerns “with the enthusiasm and investment intentions” of the American business community in 1996. GOA officials also expressed their dissatisfaction with the remarks. The Ambassador and other Country Team members used a December 17 reception for journalists to stress our desire to work constructively with Argentina, and the Ambassador has reached out to GOA officials to urge a prompt end to their criticisms. Government press is beginning to report a softening tone, but we think that it is too early to tell. End Summary.1. (C) Summary: The GOA responded with heavy artillery to a remark WHA A/S Valenzuela made during a December 16 press roundtable. Immediately after the press roundtable, Argentine media started focusing almost exclusively on A/S Valenzuela’s remark that the American business community in Argentina had conveyed to him concern about rule of law and management of the economy in Argentina. The press reported that Valenzuela contrasted these concerns “with the enthusiasm and investment intentions” of the American business community in 1996. GOA officials also expressed their dissatisfaction with the remarks. The Ambassador and other Country Team members used a December 17 reception for journalists to stress our desire to work constructively with Argentina, and the Ambassador has reached out to GOA officials to urge a prompt end to their criticisms. Government press is beginning to report a softening tone, but we think that it is too early to tell. End Summary.

¶2. (C) Immediately prior to departure from Buenos Aires on December 16, WHA A/S Valenzuela met at the Embassy with about a dozen Argentine print journalists. He followed 20 minutes of remarks by taking questions for another 20 minutes, explaining his desire to introduce himself to his regional counterparts and undertake a dialogue with them on regional developments.2. (C) Immediately prior to departure from Buenos Aires on December 16, WHA A/S Valenzuela met at the Embassy with about a dozen Argentine print journalists. He followed 20 minutes of remarks by taking questions for another 20 minutes, explaining his desire to introduce himself to his regional counterparts and undertake a dialogue with them on regional developments.

Media Zero In on Perceived Criticism

-------------------------------------------- 

¶3. (C) Despite the broad range of issues addressed by A/S Valenzuela, Argentine media started focusing immediately after the roundtable almost exclusively on A/S Valenzuela’s remark that the American business community in Argentina had conveyed to him concern about rule of law and management of the economy in Argentina. The press also reported that Valenzuela contrasted these concerns “with the enthusiasm and investment intentions” of the American business community in 1996. (A/S Valenzuela’s first official meeting in Buenos Aires was with the Executive Board of the AmCham.) As an example of the sensationalist nature of much of the reporting, La Nacion’s banner front-page headlines on December 17 read, “Clash with the U.S. over Rule of Law in Argentina” and on December 18, “Protest to U.S. over Obama Envoy’s Criticism.”3. (C) Despite the broad range of issues addressed by A/S Valenzuela, Argentine media started focusing immediately after the roundtable almost exclusively on A/S Valenzuela’s remark that the American business community in Argentina had conveyed to him concern about rule of law and management of the economy in Argentina. The press also reported that Valenzuela contrasted these concerns “with the enthusiasm and investment intentions” of the American business community in 1996. (A/S Valenzuela’s first official meeting in Buenos Aires was with the Executive Board of the AmCham.) As an example of the sensationalist nature of much of the reporting, La Nacion’s banner front-page headlines on December 17 read, “Clash with the U.S. over Rule of Law in Argentina” and on December 18, “Protest to U.S. over Obama Envoy’s Criticism.”

Kirchner Allies Take Umbrage

------------------------------------ 

¶4. (C) The GOA response came swiftly. That same night, three GOA ministries publicly commented (in a clearly coordinated fashion) on the Valenzuela remarks. Interior Minister Florencio Randazzo said “Argentina is enjoying a phase of complete institutional and legal guarantees. The country has left behind the times when a foreign official could come and say what needed to be done. There is no lack of rule of law. The difference now is that the Government protects the people, and in the 1990s it protected the companies’ interests that took millions out.”4. (C) The GOA response came swiftly. That same night, three GOA ministries publicly commented (in a clearly coordinated fashion) on the Valenzuela remarks. Interior Minister Florencio Randazzo said “Argentina is enjoying a phase of complete institutional and legal guarantees. The country has left behind the times when a foreign official could come and say what needed to be done. There is no lack of rule of law. The difference now is that the Government protects the people, and in the 1990s it protected the companies’ interests that took millions out.”

¶5. (C) Following the Randazzo statement, the Foreign Ministry issued a four-point communiquC) saying that: (1) the generalized nature of the Assistant Secretary’s remarks about supposed concerns in the American business community made it impossible for the GOA to address the alleged concerns; (2) the MFA had already written Ambassador Martinez to clarify similar remarks that she had made the previous week in Cordoba but had received no reply; (3) Argentine authorities had received no complaints from American companies operating in Argentina; and (4) the GOA reiterates its disposition to analyze “all aspects that allow us to promote reciprocal relations, especially economic, between the two countries. Open and consolidated channels are available to both governments for this dialogue.”5. (C) Following the Randazzo statement, the Foreign Ministry issued a four-point communiquC) saying that: (1) the generalized nature of the Assistant Secretary’s remarks about supposed concerns in the American business community made it impossible for the GOA to address the alleged concerns; (2) the MFA had already written Ambassador Martinez to clarify similar remarks that she had made the previous week in Cordoba but had received no reply; (3) Argentine authorities had received no complaints from American companies operating in Argentina; and (4) the GOA reiterates its disposition to analyze “all aspects that allow us to promote reciprocal relations, especially economic, between the two countries. Open and consolidated channels are available to both governments for this dialogue.”

¶6. (C) The GOA’s third statement on December 16 came from Justice Minister Julio Alak, who called Valenzuela’s statements “unusual6. (C) The GOA’s third statement on December 16 came from Justice Minister Julio Alak, who called Valenzuela’s statements “unusual

and unjustified.” Alak claimed that “rule of law is a fundamental asset in the country that has been protected and rescued from the more adverse conditions coming from the institutional and economic crisis in 2001 and 2002.”

¶7. (C) After the initial salvos, the GOA officials who met with Valenzuela chimed in. Vice Foreign Minister Victorio Taccetti (who received Valenzuela December 15 at the MFA and hosted him for lunch) said, “Valenzuela is free to think as he wishes, but the truth is that 1996 is the prelude of the most important crisis Argentina faced. It is possible that he felt glad in 1996, but that ended in the 2001 crisis that impacted many companies, including some American ones. Argentina doesn’t want to set off sparks (“sacarse chispas”) with the United States; it is Valenzuela who opines without basing his statements on reality.”7. (C) After the initial salvos, the GOA officials who met with Valenzuela chimed in. Vice Foreign Minister Victorio Taccetti (who received Valenzuela December 15 at the MFA and hosted him for lunch) said, “Valenzuela is free to think as he wishes, but the truth is that 1996 is the prelude of the most important crisis Argentina faced. It is possible that he felt glad in 1996, but that ended in the 2001 crisis that impacted many companies, including some American ones. Argentina doesn’t want to set off sparks (“sacarse chispas”) with the United States; it is Valenzuela who opines without basing his statements on reality.”

¶8. (C) Cabinet Chief AnC-bal FernC!ndez said, “We are not talking about a statement that comes from American businessmen, but of (Valenzuela’s) prejudices, and that is much more sensitive and what worries me most. I was concerned to find out that he was critical of many Latin American democracies, and one of the supporters of the Washington Consensus.”8. (C) Cabinet Chief AnC-bal FernC!ndez said, “We are not talking about a statement that comes from American businessmen, but of (Valenzuela’s) prejudices, and that is much more sensitive and what worries me most. I was concerned to find out that he was critical of many Latin American democracies, and one of the supporters of the Washington Consensus.”

¶9. (C) Argentine Ambassador to the United States HC)ctor Timerman appeared on television and in the press to claim that he had urged A/S Valenzuela to meet with CGT labor leader Hugo Moyano and the opposition Radical Party (UCR), but that “he met only with the political right: De NarvC!ez, Macri and Cobos. He is sending a message on who are, in his views, the people with whom he needs to have dialogue.”9. (C) Argentine Ambassador to the United States HC)ctor Timerman appeared on television and in the press to claim that he had urged A/S Valenzuela to meet with CGT labor leader Hugo Moyano and the opposition Radical Party (UCR), but that “he met only with the political right: De NarvC!ez, Macri and Cobos. He is sending a message on who are, in his views, the people with whom he needs to have dialogue.”

¶10. (C) Argentine press reported that FM Jorge Taiana, who was in Copenhagen for the COP-15 meetings, used a brief pull-aside with Secretary Clinton to complain about Valenzuela’s remarks. Taiana told the press that Valenzuela’s words “were unfortunate and show his ignorance of the Argentine reality. His reference to the administration of Menem as a time of great growth, when it was precisely the time when Argentina was hurling headlong toward its worst crisis in history, like a train with no brakes, was even more unfortunate.”10. (C) Argentine press reported that FM Jorge Taiana, who was in Copenhagen for the COP-15 meetings, used a brief pull-aside with Secretary Clinton to complain about Valenzuela’s remarks. Taiana told the press that Valenzuela’s words “were unfortunate and show his ignorance of the Argentine reality. His reference to the administration of Menem as a time of great growth, when it was precisely the time when Argentina was hurling headlong toward its worst crisis in history, like a train with no brakes, was even more unfortunate.”

¶11. (C) Former president Nestor Kirchner said “the statements by someone who should come with a different policy for Latin America are deplorable. Valenzuela belongs to the groups that participated in the Washington Consensus; the neo-liberal model that caused so much damage to the whole region.” Kirchner ally Deputy AgustC-n Rossi (leader of the FpV bloc in the Chamber) said “Valenzuela’s visit was not encouraging. We thought the time when foreign officials came to lecture us was over.” Regarding Valenzuela’s comparison of the current reality with the one in the 1990s, he said: “it is a fallacy to say we were better with Menem’s administration; the cracks of the convertibility plan were evident and led Argentina to bankruptcy.” The leader of the FpV bloc in the Senate, Miguel Pichetto, said “Valenzuela keeps adding mistakes to the U.S. relation to Latin America, because a diplomat visiting a country should be much more cautious when commenting on our domestic politics and the economic recovery our government achieved.” A couple of days later, at a December 20 political rally, Nestor Kirchner said “disrespectful viceroys” should first criticize what was happening in the United States. He blamed Argentina’s loss of rule of law on the U.S. crisis that “left millions of Americans without their jobs, homes or savings.”11. (C) Former president Nestor Kirchner said “the statements by someone who should come with a different policy for Latin America are deplorable. Valenzuela belongs to the groups that participated in the Washington Consensus; the neo-liberal model that caused so much damage to the whole region.” Kirchner ally Deputy AgustC-n Rossi (leader of the FpV bloc in the Chamber) said “Valenzuela’s visit was not encouraging. We thought the time when foreign officials came to lecture us was over.” Regarding Valenzuela’s comparison of the current reality with the one in the 1990s, he said: “it is a fallacy to say we were better with Menem’s administration; the cracks of the convertibility plan were evident and led Argentina to bankruptcy.” The leader of the FpV bloc in the Senate, Miguel Pichetto, said “Valenzuela keeps adding mistakes to the U.S. relation to Latin America, because a diplomat visiting a country should be much more cautious when commenting on our domestic politics and the economic recovery our government achieved.” A couple of days later, at a December 20 political rally, Nestor Kirchner said “disrespectful viceroys” should first criticize what was happening in the United States. He blamed Argentina’s loss of rule of law on the U.S. crisis that “left millions of Americans without their jobs, homes or savings.”

Opposition is Divided

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¶12. (C) Reaction among the opposition was divided. Some, such as Santa Fe governor Hermes Binner, a highly regarded moderate Socialist and possible presidential candidate, said that Valenzuela’s remarks tracked very closely with complaints that, they, too had heard from the business community. Others, such as12. (C) Reaction among the opposition was divided. Some, such as Santa Fe governor Hermes Binner, a highly regarded moderate Socialist and possible presidential candidate, said that Valenzuela’s remarks tracked very closely with complaints that, they, too had heard from the business community. Others, such as

Socialist Senator Ruben Giustiniani, who usually coincides with Binner, objected to any foreign official relaying any criticism of Argentina, while Radical congressional deputy Ricardo AlfonsC-n took issue with what he interpreted as Valenzuela’s praise for Menem policies in the 1990s: “We, the Argentines, know that during those years there was a looting of national assets. For us, it was a disaster.” However, the head of the Radical Party (UCR), Senator Ernesto Sanz (who joined Valenzuela’s December 16 lunch with Vice President Cobos) said “it seems it was necessary that a foreigner come to say this. We have been denouncing the lack of rule of law from Congress for four or five years. With each law the Kirchnerists passed, (the country) moved one step towards a lack of rule of law.” Another prominent opposition leader, Deputy Margarita Stolbizer (GEN), said, “Unfortunately, Valenzuela is right. This government condemned us to isolation because of lack of rule of law, and Valenzuela only relayed how the world sees us.” Leftist congressional deputy and film director Pino Solanas (Proyecto Sur Bloc Leader) said, “I strongly repudiate Arturo Valenzuela’s statements. He is the envoy of the empire whose government has legitimized the coup in Honduras. Mr. Valenzuela represents the government that keeps thinking the disastrous and tragic 1990s for Argentina are a model to follow.”

Embassy Works to Smooth Feathers

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¶13. (C) The Ambassador and other Country Team members used a December 17 reception for journalists to stress our desire to work constructively with Argentina, stressing our common interests and extensive cooperation. The Ambassador’s conciliatory remarks received broad press play. The Ambassador called VFM Taccetti, who offered her a long explanation of why the GOA in the wake of the 2001-02 crisis had been forced to “pesify” contracts that had been denominated in dollars at a new exchange rate that was disadvantageous to foreign businesses. (Note: “Pesification” has been a common theme of many of the complaints that U.S. investors took to the World Bank’s International Court for the Settlement of Investment Disputes.) Those pesified contracts nonetheless continued to be profitable, Taccetti claimed. He said Argentina’s current challenge, however, was to maintain employment levels, which explained the GOA position regarding Kraft and other labor disputes. Taccetti asked if Washington could issue a conciliatory statement. The Ambassador also requested a meeting with Cabinet Chief Anibal Fernandez to urge a prompt end to GOA public complaining about A/S Valenzuela’s remarks. Press reported widely A/S Valenzuela’s clarification (delivered at his next stop, Montevideo) that he was merely relaying some concerns expressed to him by American businesses operating in Argentina.13. (C) The Ambassador and other Country Team members used a December 17 reception for journalists to stress our desire to work constructively with Argentina, stressing our common interests and extensive cooperation. The Ambassador’s conciliatory remarks received broad press play. The Ambassador called VFM Taccetti, who offered her a long explanation of why the GOA in the wake of the 2001-02 crisis had been forced to “pesify” contracts that had been denominated in dollars at a new exchange rate that was disadvantageous to foreign businesses. (Note: “Pesification” has been a common theme of many of the complaints that U.S. investors took to the World Bank’s International Court for the Settlement of Investment Disputes.) Those pesified contracts nonetheless continued to be profitable, Taccetti claimed. He said Argentina’s current challenge, however, was to maintain employment levels, which explained the GOA position regarding Kraft and other labor disputes. Taccetti asked if Washington could issue a conciliatory statement. The Ambassador also requested a meeting with Cabinet Chief Anibal Fernandez to urge a prompt end to GOA public complaining about A/S Valenzuela’s remarks. Press reported widely A/S Valenzuela’s clarification (delivered at his next stop, Montevideo) that he was merely relaying some concerns expressed to him by American businesses operating in Argentina.

GOA Tones Down Its Commentary

-------------------------------------------- 

¶14. (C) The GOA’s Telam news service sent December 18 a story that led with “Cabinet Chief Anibal Fernandez sought today to lower the tone on the controversy generated by (Valenzuela’s) remarks.” The wire story quoted Fernandez saying he had “a very good conversation with Valenzuela on important topics, and Valenzuela never mentioned concerns about rule of law.” Fernandez claimed that Valenzuela had several years ago made similar claims about Argentine rule of law, suggesting a predisposition to judge Argentina. “But this man is not the United States, no matter how important he is. The United States is the United States.” Another wire service reported that VFM Taccetti said “This topic has already passed. Maybe (Valenzuela) knows why he said it. We think it’s absurd. We are looking straight ahead... I think the points of agreement between United States and Argentina were aired in the meetings we had. No one else in the region has been more firm on Iran. We are working in Haiti... The agreements are notable. In general, U.S. policies and ours on international matters are in agreement.”14. (C) The GOA’s Telam news service sent December 18 a story that led with “Cabinet Chief Anibal Fernandez sought today to lower the tone on the controversy generated by (Valenzuela’s) remarks.” The wire story quoted Fernandez saying he had “a very good conversation with Valenzuela on important topics, and Valenzuela never mentioned concerns about rule of law.” Fernandez claimed that Valenzuela had several years ago made similar claims about Argentine rule of law, suggesting a predisposition to judge Argentina. “But this man is not the United States, no matter how important he is. The United States is the United States.” Another wire service reported that VFM Taccetti said “This topic has already passed. Maybe (Valenzuela) knows why he said it. We think it’s absurd. We are looking straight ahead... I think the points of agreement between United States and Argentina were aired in the meetings we had. No one else in the region has been more firm on Iran. We are working in Haiti... The agreements are notable. In general, U.S. policies and ours on international matters are in agreement.”

AmCham Pleased with Press Coverage

--------------------------------------------- 

¶15. (C) AmCham told post’s Commercial Counselor that it was taking a positive response to press inquiries, talking up the positive contributions their members make to Argentina’s economy and their desire for dialogue with the GOA on the business and investment climate. Subsequently, some AmCham members told us privately that they were pleased a high-ranking U.S. diplomat publicly relayed their concerns. The AmCham President said he intended to take advantage of the opening offered by the MFA’s request for specific concerns about the business climate by sending the MFA letter requesting a meeting to review concerns in detail.15. (C) AmCham told post’s Commercial Counselor that it was taking a positive response to press inquiries, talking up the positive contributions their members make to Argentina’s economy and their desire for dialogue with the GOA on the business and investment climate. Subsequently, some AmCham members told us privately that they were pleased a high-ranking U.S. diplomat publicly relayed their concerns. The AmCham President said he intended to take advantage of the opening offered by the MFA’s request for specific concerns about the business climate by sending the MFA letter requesting a meeting to review concerns in detail.

Comment

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¶16. (C) Once again, the Kirchner government has shown itself to be extremely thin-skinned and intolerant of perceived criticism. Concerns about the weakness of Argentina’s institutions, and the rule of law in particular, are a dime a dozen in the Argentine press, voiced by academics, business leaders, judges, opposition politicians, pundits, and NGOs. Argentines are well aware that Argentina is not attracting as much investment as are Brazil, Chile, and others in the region. The business community’s anxiety about arbitrary and capricious rule changes is well known to the Argentine public and the government. Only die-hard kirchneristas will agree with Randazzo’s assertion that Argentina enjoys “full institutional and juridical guarantees,” or the MFA’s contention that it is unaware of any dissatisfaction on the part of any American company. For most Argentines, those are laugh lines or cynically disingenuous statements. That said, we hope that this contretemps will soon peter out, as has happened in similar such episodes in the past.16. (C) Once again, the Kirchner government has shown itself to be extremely thin-skinned and intolerant of perceived criticism. Concerns about the weakness of Argentina’s institutions, and the rule of law in particular, are a dime a dozen in the Argentine press, voiced by academics, business leaders, judges, opposition politicians, pundits, and NGOs. Argentines are well aware that Argentina is not attracting as much investment as are Brazil, Chile, and others in the region. The business community’s anxiety about arbitrary and capricious rule changes is well known to the Argentine public and the government. Only die-hard kirchneristas will agree with Randazzo’s assertion that Argentina enjoys “full institutional and juridical guarantees,” or the MFA’s contention that it is unaware of any dissatisfaction on the part of any American company. For most Argentines, those are laugh lines or cynically disingenuous statements. That said, we hope that this contretemps will soon peter out, as has happened in similar such episodes in the past.

¶17. (U) This cable was cleared by WHA A/S Valenquela. 17. (U) This cable was cleared by WHA A/S Valenquela. 

MARTINEZ

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Thursday, 31 December 2009, 14:55

S E C R E T STATE 132349

NOFORN

SIPDIS

EO 12958 DECL: 12/31/2034

TAGS PINR, PGOV, AR

SUBJECT: (C/NF) ARGENTINA: KIRCHNER INTERPERSONAL

DYNAMICS (C-AL9-02612)

Classified By: ELISSA G. PITTERLE, DIRECTOR, INR/OPS. REASON: 1.4(C).

¶1. (S/NF) WASHINGTON ANALYSTS ARE INTERESTED IN ARGENTINE LEADERSHIP DYNAMICS, PARTICULARLY WITH REGARDS TO CRISTINA FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER AND NESTOR KIRCHNER. DRAWING ON PREVIOUS REPORTING, AND BUILDING UPON OUR OWN ANALYTIC ASSESSMENTS, WE ARE CURRENTLY PREPARING A WRITTEN PRODUCT EXAMINING THE INTERPERSONAL DYNAMICS BETWEEN THE GOVERNING TANDEM. WE HAVE A MUCH MORE SOLID UNDERSTANDING OF NESTOR KIRCHNER’S STYLE AND PERSONALITY THAN WE DO OF CRISTINA FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER AND WE WOULD LIKE TO DEVELOP A MORE WELL-ROUNDED VIEW OF CRISTINA FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER’S PERSONALITY. AS POST,S TIME AND RESOURCES ALLOW AND TO THE EXTENT POST HAS ACCESS TO THIS TYPE OF INFORMATION, WE WOULD WELCOME ANY INSIGHT INTO THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS. MANY THANKS, AND REGARDS FROM WASHINGTON.

¶A. (U) MENTAL STATE AND HEALTH:

1) (S/NF) HOW IS CRISTINA FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER MANAGING HER NERVES AND ANXIETY? HOW DOES STRESS AFFECT HER BEHAVIOR TOWARD ADVISORS AND/OR HER DECISIONMAKING? WHAT STEPS DOES CRISTINA FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER OR HER ADVISERS/HANDLERS, TAKE IN HELPING HER DEAL WITH STRESS? IS SHE TAKING ANY MEDICATIONS? UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES IS SHE BEST ABLE TO HANDLE STRESSES? HOW DO CRISTINA FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER,S EMOTIONS AFFECT HER DECISIONMAKING AND HOW DOES SHE CALM DOWN WHEN DISTRESSED?

2) (S/NF) WHAT IS THE STATUS OF NESTOR KIRCHNER’S GASTROINTESTINAL ILLNESS? DOES IT CONTINUE TO BOTHER HIM? IS HE TAKING ANY MEDICATIONS? LONG KNOWN FOR HIS TEMPER, HAS NESTOR KIRCHNER DEMONSTRATED A GREATER TENDENCY TO SHIFT BETWEEN EMOTIONAL EXTREMES? WHAT ARE MOST COMMON TRIGGERS TO NESTOR KIRCHNER’S ANGER?

¶B. (U) POLITICAL VIEWS:

1) (S/NF) WHEN DEALING WITH PROBLEMS, DOES CRISTINA FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER TAKE A STRATEGIC, BIG PICTURE OUTLOOK, OR DOES SHE PREFER TO TAKE A TACTICAL VIEW? DOES SHE VIEW CIRCUMSTANCES IN BLACK AND WHITE OR IN NUANCED TERMS? DOES SHE SHARE NESTOR KIRCHNER’S ADVERSARIAL VIEW OF POLITICS OR DOES SHE ATTEMPT TO MODERATE HIS HEAVY-HANDED POLITICAL STYLE?

¶C. (U) ON THE JOB:

1) (S/NF) HOW DO CRISTINA FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER AND NESTOR KIRCHNER DIVIDE UP THEIR DAY? ON WHICH ISSUES DOES CRISTINA FERNANDEZ DE KIRCHNER TAKE THE LEAD AND WHICH ISSUES DOES SHE LEAVE TO NESTOR KIRCHNER?

¶2. (U) PLEASE CITE C-AL9-02612 IN THE SUBJECT LINE OF REPORTING IN RESPONSE TO THE ABOVE QUESTIONS. CLINTON