Latin America Comes of Age
The Bolivian town of Shinahota was Saturday a reference point of Latin American integration, after Presidents Evo Morales (Bolivia) and Hugo Chavez (Venezuela), and Cuban Vice President Carlos Lage met here.

An unprecedented popular congregation Friday, including people from the most diverse remote regions, welcomed the leaders, who spoke about continental unity.

Along nearly 13 miles Morales, Chavez, and Lage traveled in a convertible van from the neighboring Chimore airport, with local residents showing signs of hospitality and affection towards the leaders.

As first speaker, Lage, wearing traditional native clothes as well as Morales and Chavez, transmitted a greeting from President Fidel Castro to the Bolivian people.

He strongly condemned Bush´s attacks against democracy in the South American country, noting the US regimen should have been there to see the people hugging their leader and Chavez.

Lage highlighted the Cuban Revolution has always cooperated with the Bolivian people, but the existence of a legitimate, popular government opens prospects for increased aid.

Chavez went back in history, recalling that leaders such as Tupak Katari, Simon Bolivar, Sucre, and Santa Cruz had called for Latin American integration.

"From now on, Bolivia, Venezuela, and Cuba will be close forever," he asserted.

When closing the act, Evo Morales pointed out independence and dignity bring Bolivia, Cuba, and Venezuela together, and said he hopes more countries will join.

Morales also praised Cuban medical cooperation, the Operation Miracle, and headlined cooperation agreements with Venezuela.