Fate of Bolivia
Uncertain
Bolivia's governing
party and opposition
were once again
measuring their strength
Wednesday, leading the
nation to a dangerous
path with an uncertain
ending.
On the one hand, the
government defends its
democratic process of
social change, and on
the other, traditional
parties cling to their
inherited privileges,
and act with violence
and despair.
A popular celebration
for the recently
approved constitutional
proposal, and the
implementation of de
facto autonomies in
several departments have
been scheduled for the
weekend..
In views of imminent
confrontations and the
spiral of violence
pounding the country for
weeks, President Evo
Morales has repeatedly
called for dialogue to
solve national problems.
ó I call for authorities
and legally elected
departmental leaders to
work together in regards
with the new
Constitution, the
autonomy law, and
autonomic statute, ó
Morales said in a
message to the nation.
The constitutional text
is rejected by mayors
Ruben Costas (Santa
Cruz), Mario Cossio (Tarija),
Leopoldo Fernandez (Pando),
Ernesto Suarez (Beni),
and Manfred Reyes (Cochabamba),
who announced the
implementation of de
facto autonomies.
The president announced
such actions attempt
against national unity,
are unlawful,
unconstitutional, and
separatist, and rejected
them, but recognized the
right of some sectors to
protest.
But opposition groups
refuse to solve the
differences and continue
with force and other
measures including an
eight-day hunger strike
widely covered by the
media but hardly
recognized by the
people. |
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