I decided to write something about Chile and I was looking for some interesting topic when I stumbled upon to the Santiago Times’ webpage. And again I found a piece of news that tells a sad story about the relations between South American countries (16.11.2009).
This time it’s about Chile and Peru. The history of these two countries is full of disagreements and rows. Last August Peru accused that Chile changes maritime frontiers shared by the countries and in that way offends international agreements.
Chile is also accused of threatening Peru with a conflict. Peruvian governance says that Chile practices military exercises and buys missiles and radar equipments from the USA. Peruvian Foreign Minister Jose Antonio Garcia Belaunde says this will lead to the arms race, which is against the interests of Latin American peace. Chilean president Michelle Bachelet denies Belaunde’s accuses and says that Chile isn’t preparing for a war. Bachelet blames that Peru only hampers relations between the countries.
The latest conflict between Peru and Chile arises when Peru catches Chilean spy. Peru’s embassy’s former worker Victor Ariza Mendoza is charged with treason. When working in embassy he smuggled some secret documents to Chile for large sums of money – or at least this is Peru’s opinion to the issue. Also two Peruvian military officials are accused and warranted. Peruvian president Garcia says that Chile’s action is “lamentable and offensive act of espionage”. Garcia is going to pressure Chilean authorities to find and punish those who are participant to the spying case.
Chilean Foreign Minister Mariano Fernandez and government spokesperson Carolina Toha have tried to repeal accusations. “Chile does not spy and is not interested in espionage”, says Foreign Minister Fernandez.
In past few weeks I have read quite negative news about political conditions in South American. Also the relations between countries seem to be inflamed. Just wondering how are the countries in the region going to get along with each other when there appears all these accusations about war preparation, spying etc. I guess there are so much false information and rumours spreading that controlling of the communication flow has become very hard.
I admit that it’s important to notice that the piece of news was in the Chilean newspaper so it’s impossible to say if it’s true or just propaganda. I’m interested to hear for more news from the region.
Reference: http://www.santiagotimes.cl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=17622:chile-denies-peruas-spying-accusations&catid=19:other&Itemid=142
Writer: Suvi
Posts
All good things have to come to an end
15 years ago
Wonderful, current news, Suvi! Reading this makes me understand South American news better. You wrote that during these past weeks you have read quite a lot negative political news from South America, well, I agree with you. It is impossible to recognize which news are based on rumors, propaganda or corruption. I haven’t found any data saying is it illegal to bribe a journalist. Is it? Or are there still reporters writing about themes they are paid for?
ReplyDeleteGroup 9, Katja
I just noticed that the results for Corruption Perception Index 2009 are in (http://www.transparency.org/policy_research/surveys_indices/cpi/2009), and just looking at that map gives a clear overview of where in the world corruption still exists. In these environments I guess it's the reader's obligation to analyse what he/she consideres the truth.
ReplyDeleteYes, the relations between many South American countries seem to be inflamed. It was some time ago that I read a commentary on a Finnish news paper (can't remember which one, probably HS) about the communication culture between countries in South America. The journalist described it very "macho", aggressive and centered on threats and showing power. It was also said that it works like a vicious circle: no country wants to change its approach because it could be interpreted as a sign of weakness.
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