BOLIVIA:
“We, the indigenous people… are retaking power”

Reproduced from Latinamerica Press, www.latinamericapress.org


Interview with congressman and coca leader Evo Morales

LATINAMERICA PRESS contributor Benjamin Dangl interviewed political leader Evo Morales a month after Bolivia’s “gas war,” a massive social uprising against plans to export Bolivia’s natural gas to the United States through a Chilean port. Instead of selling natural gas to the United States, protesters demanded that the resource be nationalized to benefit the neediest sectors of Bolivian society. On Oct. 17, after nearly all protesting sectors demanded his resignation, former president Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada (2002-2003) fled the country and was replaced by then vice president Carlos Mesa. (LP, Oct. 22, 2003). All plans for exporting the gas have been postponed. Opposition leaders, including Morales, have backed Mesa, but said continued support would depend on the fulfillment of opposition demands.

Morales for years has long been an active leader in politics, coca grower groups and social movements in Bolivia. He is a congressman, leader of the political party Movement Towards Socialism (MAS) and leader of the coca growers in the Chapare, a tropical region where much of Bolivia’s coca is grown. He lost to Sánchez de Lozada in the 2002 presidential elections by 1.5 percent of the votes (LP, Aug. 12 and June 17, 2002). Morales talks about the gas issue, coca production in the Chapare, the influence of the US government in Bolivia, Mesa’s presidency and the Free Trade Agreement of the Americas.

Recently, at the Hispano-American Presidential Summit in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, you spoke with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio da Silva. What topics did you discuss?

The main issue we spoke about was how we can construct a political instrument of liberation and unity for Latin America, specifically in regards to hydrocarbons and other natural resources. The state should be in charge of exploration, industrialization and commercialization of hydrocarbons. This could be an economic solution for our countries, but in the meantime, these hydrocarbons are being stolen by transnational corporations. In Bolivia, we are convinced that the gas belong to us and we must defend it.

Some say that you are the best presidential candidate in the country and that you have more support nationwide than any other candidate. The US ambassador in Bolivia has stated that if you are elected, his government would withdraw its financial support from Bolivia. What do you have to say about the possible pressure you may receive from the United States if you are elected president?

After more than 500 years, we, the Quechuas and Aymaras, are still the rightful owners of this land. We, the indigenous people, after 500 years of resistance, are retaking power. This retaking of power is aimed towards the recovery of our own wealth, our own natural resources such as the hydrocarbons. This affects the interests of the transnational corporations and the interests of the neoliberal system. Nevertheless, I am convinced that the power of the people is increasing and strengthening. This power is changing presidents, economic models and politics. We are convinced that capitalism is the enemy of the earth, of humanity and of culture. The US government does not understand our way of life and our philosophy. But we will defend our proposals, our way of life and our demands with the participation of the Bolivian people.

What percentage of the coca grown in the Chapare goes to the production of cocaine?

It is difficult to say, but at this moment there are legal and illegal markets for coca. To penalize coca is an error, because the substance does not commit a crime.

Has alternative development been successful in the Chapare?

We have never seen alternative development. An alternative to coca? Impossible. Unfortunately, alternative development and the fight against drug-trafficking is a vicious cycle. One US agency says, “eradication is successful this year,” and another says, “no it is not.” In this way, they both justify their work and remain employed. The fight against drug-trafficking is a vicious cycle because, in the end, there is no fight against drug-trafficking, it is just a pretext. For the US government, drugs are just an excuse for the US to increase their power and control over other countries.

Are there US troops in the Chapare?

Yes, they are in the Chapare and they are armed. There have been clashes in the Chapare … between US soldiers and Quechua and Aymara indigenous people who resist. From our point of view this is unconstitutional and illegal.

How much longer will Mesa last as president?

It is hard to say. We have given him time and we understand that one month is not enough time to change a political model. He needs time, and we’ll give him time. A lot will depend on some clear signs that he is trying to change the economic model and political system. A lot depends on him.

The Free Trade Agreement of the Americas (FTAA) was recently discussed in Miami. Can this agreement function with Latin American countries at all, or must it be rejected completely? Where do the causes of the conflicts in Latin America come from?

From neoliberalism and the politics of the free market. The FTAA is the radicalization of the application of neoliberalism, and neoliberalism is the cause of the social conflicts to the point that it controls the activities of presidents in Latin America. A trade agreement between countries can take place, but only with just and fair business deals. The FTAA is the law of the jungle, only the strongest survive. Therefore, how could we permit the application of this agreement? From the point of view of the indigenous people here, the FTAA is an agreement to legalize the colonization of the Americas.