OPINION: When fake news replaces transparency

When it comes to communicating state issues, especially sensitive ones, the only management that fits is transparency. Everything that is half said, said badly, or late will leave holes that the media and public opinion -especially, through social networks- will fill at their discretion and even convenience. Such has been the case with the meeting of President Juan Carlos Varela and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

The Presidency released a statement in which it omitted a part of the conversation – related to China. Later, after Pompeo’s version circulated, Varela confirmed it casually, hiding behind the absurd argument that the topic had not been part of the “formal meeting”, since it was addressed when they toured the “presidential residence”, in the private rooms of the ruler and his family. It reveals, at least, a worrying naïveté, especially if it is contrasted with the performance of his counterpart. The representative of the United States, far less improvised and very strategic, offered statements that seem planned and focused on giving a message. In the end, it is clear that the topic was addressed. It may be that, as Varela said, China has been just a separate in the conversation, but the mere fact that he did not mention it from the beginning has given way to suspicion and mistrust. The damage is done, and it is a damage to the credibility of our authorities. Quite less improvised and very strategic, Pompeo offered statements that seem planned and focused on giving a message. In the end, it is clear that the topic was addressed. It may be that, as Varela said, China has been just a separate  item in the conversation, but the mere fact that he did not mention it from the beginning has given way to suspicion and mistrust. The damage is done, and it is a damage to the credibility of our authorities.- LA PRENSA, Oct. 20