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South American press comment on Prince Charles's state visit to Argentina

Friday 12 March 1999 00:02 GMT
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PRINCES ARE not what they were in centuries gone by, nor does the British crown represent for Argentina what it did at the beginning of this century. The local press provides the opportunity for important symbolic battles. Who is visiting us: Why has he come? What attitude should we take to the Prince? These questions have generated very different responses. They have ranged from a respectful welcome worthy of the future monarch of the former empire to the simple condemnation of "English pirate". At this fin de siecle dominated by scepticism and globalisation, it is not enough just to be a prince, and poor Charles has neither the aura of kings nor the glamour of the fashion world.

Pagina12, Argentina

IN THE Falklands many people had an "I told you so" attitude when they heard of Prince Charles's comments about their islands and they were relieved that the press reports coming from Argentina weren't true. It reaffirmed their faith in the system. The pressure from both the Argentine and the British press over so-called talks and requests for special favours and proposed visits had begun to wear people down in the past few weeks, so his remarks about an understanding between us and Argentina were most welcome.

Teaberry Express, Falklands

THE PRINCE had a king of spades up his sleeve. Lacking an ace to trump the power of President Menem, the key sentence in the Prince's speech was a thrust in the diplomatic fencing over the Malvinas. His argument was surprising and worrying for the future. With all delicacy and formality of style, but firmly, he issued an invitation to "live harmoniously alongside a little democracy a few kilometres from Argentine democracy". These strong words produced an immediate sensation of discomfort among the ministers of the government, despite their efforts to conceal it. No one knew in advance what he was going to say, and no one expected it. The implications of those words fell on the Argentine government like a bucket of cold water.

La Nacion, Argentina

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