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Marzo 07, 2005
Deep and Thought-Provoking Words from the State Dept.
From today's U.S. State Department Press Briefing:
QUESTION: Do you have any reaction to the Bolivian President's announced resignation?
MR. BOUCHER: Yeah. I think the first point to make is that President Mesa has not resigned at this point. On the evening of March 6th -- would be yesterday evening -- he announced that he would offer his resignation to the Bolivian Congress today, and then the congress will decide whether or not to accept his resignation. The United States remains firmly and fully committed to President Mesa as the constitutional President of Bolivia. We expect that the current political crisis will be resolved in a peaceful and democratic manner consistent with the Bolivian constitution. We call upon the political leaders of Bolivia to work together to reach a national consensus in favor of a more stable and prosperous Bolivia.
What's the point of even having these things? It's like interviewing athletes when they give the same cliche's over and over again.
Posted by eduardo at Marzo 7, 2005 04:46 PM
Comments
Ok, don't knock the State Deparment's answers to taken questions...what do you expect them to say? I helped draft that answer...and you're right, it says nothing... but on the other hand, what can the DOS say? We're not in a position to do anything but wait and see like everybody else....
Posted by: Marta at Marzo 8, 2005 10:38 AM
Don't get me wrong, I completely understand why that answer was given in that fashion. It's a no-win situation, if the State Dept says too much then they get criticized; if the State Dept says too little then they get criticized. It is much better to use the standard neutral line.
I also understand that the U.S. wants to be careful not to say too much which could be used by Evo.
Posted by: eduardo at Marzo 8, 2005 10:50 AM
well, you are certainly correct about that-- In Chavez' Latin America U.S. approval could be the kiss of death for any president...
Posted by: Marta at Marzo 8, 2005 11:14 AM