« Arriving Unannounced | Main | Viva Cochabamba Maillipipis »
Septiembre 13, 2004
Goni Speaks
Last week, word circulated that Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada had recorded a videotape in his Washington, DC office. The content of this tape was a guarded secret. Members of his party (MNR) acknowledged the tape, yet refused to provide more details.
Secrecy like this suggested revealing information that could send the country into a tizzy. Perhaps Goni wanted to admit that he took the reserved funds with him on his flight out of the country. Perhaps Goni had evidence linking then Vice-President Carlos Mesa to the violent clashes between the military and the protestors. Perhaps Goni wanted to reveal that he was, in fact, Evo Morales' long lost father.
Well, on Sunday night, the one minute and 48 second-video was broadcast across the country. Its content was tame, in comparison to my vivid imagination.
It's been nearly ten months, since Goni resigned the Presidency. Since then, growing sentiments among some sectors are pushing for a trial of responsibilities against the ex-President, in order to find out whether he was responsible for the death of approximately 60 Bolivians.
In his message, Goni reiterated that he did not flee the country with an overflowing suitcase of money. He also stands in support of further investigation of what actually happened those violent days in October 2003.
These types of trials are often no-win situations. Some sectors, who are pushing for this legal proceeding, won't feel that justice has been served unless Goni ends up in Chonchocoro, a maximum security prison in the Altiplano. Many like, Jaime Solares of the COB, want to include Carlos Mesa in this trial of responsibilities. .
Goni also suggested that "everyone" should be included in this investigation. Whether or not this implies his Vice-President, Cabinet ministers, or coalition leaders, is still unknown.
However, any trial should not discount or in the very least investigate the role of protest leaders, including how these movements were funded. Many still point to Manfred Reyes Villa (NFR) and some have even suggested that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez played a role.
To not include some of the leaders like Solares and Roberto De La Cruz in holding some responsiblitiy in the events during that Black October, is missing the point. When protest leaders threaten individuals who do not join in to the marches/protests or use colorful language inciting violence, suggesting that they will not negotiate, then tempers hover at dangerous levels.
It is the government's responsibility to protect the safety and well-being of all of its citizens. Often this means facing a group of people who refuse to remove blockades preventing food, fuel and free movement in and out of La Paz and more than likely there will be confrontations. Obviously both the protestors and military each hold fault with what took place.
Members of the MNR have suggested that Goni will return to the country in December. With the results of the Referendum potentially adding more to the country's treasury, municipal elections where independent groups may gain increased participation, and a Constitutent Assembly on the horizon, it's a shame that too many people are dwelling on the past. Bolivia has the opportunity to continue to try new things in its democracy. This trial will be very complex, and any result will not satisfy everyone.
Posted by eduardo at Septiembre 13, 2004 06:34 PM
Comments
Lost lost father. Jajajajaja.
Posted by: Luis at Septiembre 27, 2004 10:03 AM