Chile Forum

TERRORIST GROUPS

¶7. The Chilean government has offered no formal support to known or suspected terrorist organizations or individuals. However, because Chile does not officially recognize Iran's Hizballah as a terrorist organization, Hizballah is permitted to function as a charitable organization in northern Chile.

¶5. (C) Israeli Defense Attache Yoeli Or told DATT and E/Poloff in a July 2 conversation that he works with Chile's Investigative Police (PDI) and ""other agencies"" (presumably Chile's Intelligence Agency, ANI), sharing information, and providing training when possible. Or was discouraged by the GOC's failure to take the terrorist finance threat seriously. He said Israel occasionally brings PDI members to Israel for training to help them understand the broader dangers of terrorism. Such programs are decreasing in frequency, however, because, while the Chileans claim to learn a lot from training, they return to jobs where counter-terrorist finance work is not a priority, and the Israelis do not see lasting results from their efforts. Or also agreed with E/Poloff that Chilean police and investigators are slow to share information, saying ""they won't share until something bad happens here."" Thus, he was unsure of the ultimate effectiveness of sharing such information. He stated that Israelis are working with the GOC to monitor any unusual activities by the new Iranian ambassador and the approximately 37 Palestinian Muslim immigrants from the Iraq/Syrian border who were resettled in three Chilean cities in early 2008.

¶2. (S) Lira replied that he very much appreciated the information and that Chile shared USG concerns. He noted that Iran had approached Chile about reopening its embassy in Santiago. The GOC had ""promised only to study"" the proposal but, Lira said, had no intention of responding positively. Lira did note that were Iran to reopen its embassy in Buenos Aires, the GOC would likely accept accreditation of Iran's ambassador there to Santiago as well, on a non-resident basis. Chile was alarmed at the January 2007 visit of Iranian president Ahmedinejad to Quito for the Correa inauguration. It did not auger well for where Correa might steer Ecuador, which Chile considers an important partner. Chile was also concerned about potential Iranian presence and activities in the Tri-Border Area. Chilean intelligence agencies monitor Iranians there - and those passing through Chile - closely, They worry these Iranians would facilitate both narco-trafficking and terrorism.

admin wrote:

¶5. (C) Israeli Defense Attache Yoeli Or told DATT and E/Poloff in a July 2 conversation that he works with Chile's Investigative Police (PDI) and ""other agencies"" (presumably Chile's Intelligence Agency, ANI), sharing information, and providing training when possible. Or was discouraged by the GOC's failure to take the terrorist finance threat seriously. He said Israel occasionally brings PDI members to Israel for training to help them understand the broader dangers of terrorism. Such programs are decreasing in frequency, however, because, while the Chileans claim to learn a lot from training, they return to jobs where counter-terrorist finance work is not a priority, and the Israelis do not see lasting results from their efforts. Or also agreed with E/Poloff that Chilean police and investigators are slow to share information, saying ""they won't share until something bad happens here."" Thus, he was unsure of the ultimate effectiveness of sharing such information. He stated that Israelis are working with the GOC to monitor any unusual activities by the new Iranian ambassador and the approximately 37 Palestinian Muslim immigrants from the Iraq/Syrian border who were resettled in three Chilean cities in early 2008.

El pescado wrote:I would like to try and make some crabapple jam or crabapple salsa. Anybody ever made/tried crabapple salsa? The trees near the office where I work are so overloaded with crabapples the branches are breaking off. They are dark red in color and just smaller than a golf ball. If anyone wants them send me a PM.

From what I remember, there is alot involved with making Jam of any sort. How many expats are doing it and what flavor have you made?