« Febrero 2005 | Main | Abril 2005 »
Marzo 31, 2005
Unique Blog
Posted by eduardo at 11:42 PM | Comments (1)
Marzo 29, 2005
No Game Today
I had plans to take off work to go down to Cecilia's and watch the Bolivia - Venezuela game. In a perfect world, Bolivia would have defeated Argentina last Saturday and preparing themselves to capture all 6 points. However, the loss two days ago has put everyone in a foul mood. The news reports in Bolivia are gloating that only 2 tickets were sold in the last two days for today's match. It will be lucky if more than 5,000 fans show up in cavernous Hernando Siles stadium (capacity over 30,000). Even if Bolivia wins today, it is a little too late. This will be the first game I would have missed on TV or in person since the qualifying round started in 2003.
I feel bad, but almost embarrassed to see no one show up to the stadium to watch them play.
Update: From ESPN Deportes "Relato en Vivo"
1 min
¡¡¡GOOOOOOL DE BOLIVIA!!! Tras un centro desde la izquierda, el defensor Cichero, con mala fortuna, convirtió en contra de su valla
25 min
¡¡¡GOOOOL DE BOLIVIA!!! Un pase fantástico de Joselito Vaca llegó a los pies de Castillo, que dejó en el camino a un defensor y definió ante la salida de Dudamel
Halftime
Bolivia 2, Venezuela 0
71 min
¡¡¡GOOOOL DE VENEZUELA!!! Tras un rebote en un remate de Héctor González, Maldonado recibió de frente al arco y remató a las redes...
83 min
¡¡¡GOOOOL DE BOLIVIA!!! Tras un gran desborde por derecha de Pachi, Joselito Vaca convirtió con un remate cruzado abajo
93 min
Final del partido: Bolivia 3-1 Venezuela
Posted by eduardo at 03:12 PM | Comments (2)
Marzo 28, 2005
Defeatist Attitude
When Jose Alfredo Castillo found the back of the net during Saturday’s match against Argentina and put Bolivia up 1-0, there was a bit of uneasiness that the joy wouldn’t last too long. Almost as expected, the Argentines scored two unanswered and ended up winning in La Paz 2-1.
This is the story of the Bolivian soccer team. If something seems too good to be true, then brace yourself for some disappointment. After “Picaro” Castillo scored in his return to the National Team, the thirty or so minutes left in the game would seem like an eternity, and it was just a matter of time before the hammer fell.
There was almost an expectation that we would lose. So many of my Bolivian friends here in Virginia refuse to watch any game anymore, “Why?” they ask, “we’re going to lose anyway.” It is almost a pervasive attitude that not only applies to sport, but to daily life. The fatalist defeatist attitude is very strong throughout Bolivia from my observation.
There seems to be a philosophy of thinking first of the limitations, rather than the possibilities. Growing up most of my life in the United States, that practice seems so foreign to me. The U.S. wants to be #1 in everything, yet Bolivia is #1 in nothing.
Maybe it goes back to the days of colonization where the indigenous peoples felt helpless to the fate laid upon them by the Spanish. It was probably easier with less disappointment to accept things the way they were. With the large part of the country either indigenous or mestizo, part of that thinking is evident in daily life. Experiences with the lack of opportunities, corrupt bureaucracy and a perpetual state of conflict also may add to this attitude.
To say it is a bit depressing is an understatement.
Bolivia needs some good news every once in awhile.
Posted by eduardo at 05:00 PM | Comments (5)
Marzo 26, 2005
Bolivia - Argentina
Bolivia attempts to capitalize on Argentina's terror of the altitude of La Paz in today's World Cup qualifier. In every interview of Argentine players, they always say they don't want to talk about the altitude, but they do so anyway by saying that they don't want to talking about it. A group of reporters from Argentina played up this fact when they met the Argentine team when they arrived in Bolivia, the reporters were waiting in the airport with an oxygen task and mask.
Game time is for 4 p.m. Bolivian time in La Paz.
Posted by eduardo at 02:04 PM | Comments (1)
Marzo 24, 2005
Bolivia - Remittances
According to the Inter-American Development Bank, the total amount of remittances increased in 2004 for practically every country in Latin America. Remittances from the United States and Europe help fuel Bolivia's economy from the money sent back from family members working abroad.
Remittances to Bolivia
2003 - $340 million dollars
2004 - $422 million dollars
This pales into comparison with Mexicans who sent approximately $16.6 billion dollars back to their home country
Posted by eduardo at 01:03 PM | Comments (4)
Marzo 22, 2005
Fr. Luis Espinal
Today marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the murder of Father Luis Espinal, S.J. in La Paz. Coincidentally, Fr. Espinal was killed only three days before another high-profile murder of an outspoken priest that criticized an oppressive government, Archibishop Oscar Romero in El Salvador.
Born in Spain, Fr. Espinal came to Bolivia in 1968 and immediately took on the role of an outspoken critic of the military dictatorship and defender of the poor. Three years after arriving to Bolivia, Espinal became a naturalized Bolivian and became actively involved in hosting a radio program at Radio Fides and publishing a newspaper called Aqui.
A well-known film enthusiast and critic, Espinal hosted a radio program with his friend Eduardo Perez (better known as Padre Perez, who still hosts a TV program and radio program in Bolivia). When Espinal, who never missed a Saturday morning radio show, did not show up on March 22, something seemed fundamentally wrong. It was soon discovered that he had not returned to his room the night before.
La Razon describes his final days:
On the night of March 21, 1980, the film enthusiast Espinal was returning to his house after watching a movie in the 6 de Agosto theater. At the end of the street Diaz Romero in Miraflores, near where he shared a house with fellow Jesuits, a young man witnessed a man being forced into a jeep and, then he heard a cry for help. Luis Arce Gomez and Guido Benavidez, as was discovered later, were the responsible for the kidnapping and murder.
The priest was taken to the Achachicala slaughterhouse where he was tortured for four hours, before receiving 17 bullets. In the early dawn hours, a campesino found his body in some trash near the road to Chacaltaya, where the neighborhood Plan Autopista now is located.
The burial was attended by approximately 80,000 weeping persons. In his tomb in the General Cemetery, where fresh flowers are always placed, it reads “Killed for helping the people.”
Fr. Espinal is remembered all across Bolivia, and especially in La Paz where a pilgrimage is annually held to the spot where his body was found. The Spanish-Bolivian priest never thought his life was in danger and did very little in terms of precautions. He once wrote in his newspaper:
"No queremos mártires". "El país no necesita mártires, sino constructores (...)".
“We don’t want martyrs…the country does not need martyrs, instead it needs builders…”
Posted by eduardo at 05:42 PM | Comments (0)
Marzo 20, 2005
A Couple of Recent Articles
At present, analyst Alvaro Garcia said, groups representing the poor indigenous majority have begun directly challenging the political elite.
"A new excluded group is demanding a seat at the table," he said, "and there isn't much room."
Didn't MAS get the 2nd largest number of seats at the table? This monumental accomplishment seems to be not enough for Evo. Any democratic legitimacy he gained in 2002 is getting thrown out the window.
"In the coming weeks or months there will be a confrontation," said Alvaro Garcia, a political analyst in La Paz. "The political center has been emptied, and the country is sharply divided between left and right. For the moment, everything seems to be on hold, but in the future this polarization could be very dangerous."
Unfortunately this is true, in that these types of crises like to draw nice and neat divisions. Remember the Santa Cruz issue? The elites reveled in pointing out that any opposition to their tactics meant a vote for centralism and the status quo. Now, those who speak out against the blockades are being lumped into the "right-wingers" and arm-in-arm with the political parties.
Also, something that should be condemned is the racist commments and attitudes that are being used by those dismissing the blockaders, most of whom happen to be a largely of an indigenous background. This current state of conflict is pitting Indios vs. the mestizo.
Posted by eduardo at 08:33 PM | Comments (4)
Marzo 18, 2005
Cochabamba After Rainfall
The third in a series of Cochabamba pictures.
Click for a larger version
Posted by eduardo at 05:45 PM | Comments (0)
Marzo 17, 2005
Creighton in the Big Dance
In about an hour (9:40 EST), my alma mater, Creighton University will be making its 6th appearance in the last 7 NCAA basketball tournaments. They meet up with the Mountaineers of West Virginia.
Considering CU is a small private Jesuit school in the middle of the U.S. without much name recognition, that acheivement is a pretty big deal. I've been a huge Creighton basketball fan all the way back to my freshmen year when the students were apathetic. I've managed to follow them in four different countries. It always seemed that I was abroad when CU played in the "Big Dance" and so I'm looking forward to watching them on TV in the U.S. for once.
In 2000, I was in El Salvador and begged someone to let me log in to the internet to see how the game finished. A year later, I was in Bolivia and silently listened to the game live in an internet cafe above the Cochabamba correo. In 2003, I was in Buenos Aires and walked through the deserted streets of the Argentine capital looking for an all night internet cafe. No one is expecting the Bluejays to win the National Championship, although it's nice to have a nostalgic connection on such a national stage.
Update: Creighton lost on a West Virginia dunk in the final seconds. WVU 63, CU 61
Posted by eduardo at 08:00 PM | Comments (0)
Cochabamba En La Tarde
Click for a larger version
Posted by eduardo at 12:09 PM | Comments (4)
Marzo 16, 2005
Cochabamba At Night
Click for a larger version
Posted by eduardo at 03:47 PM | Comments (4)
Mesa for President 2005
When President Carlos Mesa announced on March 6 that he was submitting his letter of resignation to Congress, it was such a shock. However, as time went on it became crystal clear that the resignation would be rejected by Congress. It was, as some analysts have said, a shrewd political move with hopes of getting more backing for his power-starved government.
Could these latest developments have a similar feel? Evo has once again labeled this most recent announcement as "blackmail". This is beginning to appear as another way within democratic institutions to find a way out of the crisis.
It wouldn't surprise me that if and when Congress passes the laws allowing for early elections, that they also allow Mesa to run in the August election.
Not only would he have a good chance of winning (perhaps even outright with 50% + 1), but he would also begin his new term with an entirely new Congress. There would also be a good chance that Evo's all-time low popularity would net him less votes than he acheived in 2002. Even Tuto Quiroga would have to change his plans, as he expected to be the frontrunner in 2007.
It's far from smooth sailing from until the possible early elections six months from now.
Posted by eduardo at 01:19 AM | Comments (0)
Marzo 15, 2005
No Other Way Out - New Elections This Year
Bolivia faces another political crisis as a way to avoid direct confrontation. Bolivia has been crippled by blockades in virtually all parts of the country. President Carlos Mesa, who has repeatedly vowed not to use force, has asked Congress to pass a law authorizing Presidential elections in August 2005. This would be two full years before his term is to end.
Approximately 1,500 trucks are currently blocking the highway between Cochabamba and Santa Cruz. Products for the urban population and for export have not been able to pass this stretch of highway. Even two people have died from yellow fever in the Tropics of Cochabamba because they were not able to receive adequate medical care.
Mesa is asking for general elections for President, Vice-President, Senators and Deputies (diputados). At the same time, the newly elected members of Congress would be designated as "constituents" who will help draft Bolivia's new Constitution.
Addition: Text of Mesa's speech
Posted by eduardo at 11:26 PM | Comments (0)
The Armed Forces Chime In
On Monday, the minister of Defense, Gral. Gonzalo Arredondo spoke about the current crisis and singled Evo Morales out for his role in the crisis of the government.
"Evo Morales, es un representante nacional, es un diputado que ha llegado por el voto popular y el sistema democrático al cargo que tiene, y esperamos que comprenda las obligaciones que tiene como diputado, y no vaya por rutas inconstitucionales y no adecuadas", apuntó.
He also defended the possible use of a state of emergency and how it is allowed by the Constitution. The General also reiterated that he hoped that everything would be settled peacefully and through democratic institutions.
"En el momento que se disponga una intervención, se tiene que evaluar las cosas, en especial, los procedimientos que serán utilizados y de que forma se podría realizar esta intervención combinadas. Sin embargo, hasta el presente el Presidente no emitió ninguna disposición, sino por el contrario indicó que no buscará el enfrentamiento", afirmo el Gral. Gonzalo Arredondo.
Notice how he said when, and not if, an intervention will be necessary to lift the blockades. Yet, Mesa still has not given the green light and hopes to move ahead without intervention.
Posted by eduardo at 04:04 PM | Comments (0)
Letter from Bolivian Residents in VA
This letter is making the rounds through email. It was written by a Bolivian activist that has helped organize and advocate for Bolivian immigrant rights and other issues affecting Bolivians here (i.e. pushing for double nationality). The author has asked those, if they agree, to sign and forward:
Letter to the Government of Bolivia
Los ciudadanos bolivianos residentes en el área metropolitana de Washington que suscriben el presente documento, conscientes de la magnitud de la crisis que estremece la sociedad boliviana, inseparables de su realidad, comprometidos en la búsqueda de soluciones y haciendo causa común con los valores en los que se sustentan la democracia, la paz, la justicia y el ejercicio plenos de los deberes y derechos ciudadanos y frente a la decisión del presidente Carlos Mesa de poner a consideración del H. Congreso Nacional la renuncia a su investidura constitucional como consecuencia de las presiones, las amenazas, los bloqueos y la consecuente inestabilidad, temor, incertidumbre y paralización del país consideran que:
Su renuncia, de haber sido aceptada, y la consecuente sucesión constitucional no hubiera garantizado, ni mucho menos, la solución de una vieja crisis estructural que requiere de alternativas audaces, con responsabilidad histórica y sentido de proporción dentro de la dinámica en la que se mueve el mundo y en un marco de absoluto acatamiento a lo que prescribe la Constitución Política del Estado, sus leyes y sus reglamentos.
Las demandas de los distintos sectores que conforman la sociedad boliviana son tan legítimas que nadie puede desconocerlas. Sin embargo los partidos políticos en función de gobierno, cuyo objetivo fundamental parecería haber sido mantenerse para luego perpetuarse cíclicamente en el poder, jamás han tenido la capacidad de atenderlas, generando como consecuencia una enorme brecha cargada de injusticia, marginalidad, desempleo, atraso y pobreza insoportables y una respuesta que se ha venido manifestando con una carga de intolerancia y violencia que al haber sobrepasado los límites de lo racional, ha colocado al país al borde de la desintegración.
Carreteras bloqueadas y destrozadas; productos alimenticios podridos; viajeros varados, cual secuestrados, agotado su dinero, sin que comer ni beber y a merced de la estulticia de los bloqueadores; marchas callejeras de todos los días; aeropuertos, instituciones, oficinas tomadas; la corrupción; la delincuencia organizada y la delincuencia que surge como instrumento de supervivencia entre quienes ya nada temen y delinquen para sobrevivir día tras día describen gráficamente una situación de proporciones más que dramáticas. Pérdidas y daños económicos de dimensiones catastróficas en el sector productivo, en el de servicios y ni qué decir de la destrucción sistemática del turismo como fuente generadora de recursos de alcances ilimitados.
El gobierno de Carlos Mesa estaba y está, una vez ratificado su mandato por el Congreso, en la obligación de cumplir y hacer cumplir la ley. Nada más que la ley. El no haberlo hecho a su debido tiempo y circunstancia y con la toda la fuerza moral de un respaldo popular impresionante, ha erosionado todo principio de autoridad, ha radicalizado el accionar de los movimientos sociales y ha debilitado la posición del gobierno hasta extremos tremendamente peligrosos
La imagen de país bloqueado, inseguro que ofrece Bolivia al mundo entero debe revertirse. Es imperativo reflexionar sobre los tremendos males que causa este método de exigir del gobierno lo imposible para obtener lo máximo; de ofrecer el gobierno soluciones temporales que mantienen potencialmente activo el o los conflictos; de ceder y ceder en un círculo vicioso interminable, de negociar lo innegociable; de transar con los violadores del derecho ajeno quebrantando el espíritu de las leyes y debilitando sistemáticamente la facultad del Estado como ente regulador.
Bolivia no es una isla. Como cualquier otro país está obligada a ver la dinámica del mundo y sus alrededores con sentido de proporción, de negociar con quienes desee en condiciones de ecuanimidad y dentro de un marco jurídico confiable, seguro y recíprocamente favorable. Soberanamente y con dignidad. En ese espíritu y a pesar de sus complejidades debería considerarse la Ley de Hidrocarburos y otras que tengan que ver con los recursos naturales renovables y no renovables.
En lo interno, se debe preservar por sobre todo la integridad y la unidad del país, valores determinantes para construir una sociedad en la que todos, los collas, los cambas y los chapacos; los camba-collas y los colla-cambas; los colla-chapacos y los camba-chapacos; la multietnicidad en su conjunto y los extranjeros y sus descendientes quienes han hecho de Bolivia su segunda patria, asentados en los cuatro puntos cardinales de la geografía boliviana compartan por igual derechos y obligaciones en un Estado unitario o federal, con autonomías en sentido nacional, o sin ellas, en la perspectiva común de hacer de Bolivia un país serio, confiable y respetado en el mundo entero.
Una Asamblea Constituyente que sepa interpretar fielmente las necesidades estructurales del país y produzca un instrumento jurídico incluyente, participativo y concordante con los desafíos que la realidad exige.
Con la decisión del H. Congreso, se ha superado el momento difícil y se abre para el país una oportunidad histórica que no debe malversarse y esto debe dar lugar a una profunda reflexión. Que no sea tan solo una tregua sino un camino que conduzca a poner fin a la violencia, a la intolerancia y al odio. Proceder gobernantes y gobernados; oficialismo y oposición, actores sociales y pueblo en general, con gran sentido de responsabilidad, con desprendimiento y a la altura de los desafíos del presente y del futuro. Recoger las experiencias, aprender de ellas, enmendar los errores y construir mancomunadamente la sociedad que todos los bolivianos merecen ya que por encima de los intereses personales o de grupo, los de la sociedad en su conjunto están por delante.
El presidente Carlos Mesa ha salido fortalecido y merece todo el apoyo y la confianza para gobernar conforme lo manda la Constitución Política del Estado. Apoyo que en última instancia recaerá en el fortalecimiento de la democracia boliviana como instrumento de paz, desarrollo y justicia para todos.
Virginia, 8 de marzo de 2005
Posted by eduardo at 02:59 PM | Comments (0)
Marzo 13, 2005
Cash to the Poor
A major driving force behind the anti-globalization movement in Latin America has been the fair and just claim that its economic benefits rarely trickle down to the most downtrodden. Whether it was been poor oversight, state corruption or unethical business practices, the poor often do have a legitimate gripe.
While it is true that globalization advances have been made over the past 20-30 years in the field of medical technologies and the reach of basic utilities to areas where once there was nothing, the poor may only believe it when they see how it directly benefits them.
A recent post by Tim in his El Salvador blog brought attention to an ambitious plan by President Saca that would give credits, and in some cases, cash to the poorest Salvadorans as long as they enroll their children in school and take the children to receive vaccinations.
Peru, which has a growing economy, has also implemented a plan that would give cash benefits (approximately $30 USD) to the poor. Graphs and economic figures mean very little to poor Limeños who live in shanytowns and squeak by on less than a dollar per day. Surely long term economic and social planning is the answer to permanently change the fortunes of the poor around Latin America. But in the meantime, could placing soles or dollars, in the case of El Salvador, in the pockets of the poor prove that there is a direct benefit as a result of the claimed economic growth?
This brings us to Bolivia. Would proposing a similar plan in order to get Mesa and Congress’ Hydrocarbons Law passed make people more cynical about politicians or more likely to accept the fact that it will probably pass in Congress? Why not tell the poor in the Altiplano, in el Beni, in the Plan 3000 barrio of Santa Cruz that once the new Hydrocarbons Law passes, then cash payments will be given to the poor to help them pay for food, shelter, transportation and medical needs in the meantime?
Even though the Referendum and Congress’ overtures have stressed that priority will be given to ensuring that Bolivia’s resources will be used to help Bolivians first (i.e. Natural gas for automobiles, Natural gas connections in homes), many are rightfully skeptical.
Giving cash payments gives a shady feel of vote-buying and fostering a dysfunctional reliance on the State. However, is it ethical to hope and wait that the market corrects the cycle of poverty?
There is a possibility of corruption and the challenge of making a bureaucracy work, however, there are also other advantages such as registering people who do not even exist according to state records or like in the case of El Salvador, killing two birds with one stone by ensuring the children are placed in schools and receive the necessary shots.
Whatever ultimately happens with the Hydrocarbons Law, the people and especially the poor need to see immediate and personal benefits so that Mesa is vindicated and that his decisions truly were done to help Bolivia and not the interests of the "transnacionales".
Posted by eduardo at 04:20 PM | Comments (2)
Calling the President Racist
Thanks to this blog by a Bolivian living in Spain, I read an interview with President Mesa in the newspaper El País, which touches on Evo Morales criticisms and using the race card to highlight why Mesa will not side with him.
EP: Evo constantly speaks as if you were against the indigenous.
CM: I will make a categorical and undeniable statement. I, as President, as Vice-President, as journalist, as historian, am an active supporter of the defense of the indigenous communities, of the need to put an end to the unacceptable racist past and that the Constitution reflects indigenous rights. I do not accept, not even the nuance, the possibility that Morales or Felipe Quispe questions the actions of the President in this matter. In this matter I am absolutely inflexible. The fact that Morales is in this moment against me is totally in his right to criticize me all he wants, but this criticism I do not accept, nor tolerate.
Morales continues to make statements that will continue to destroy any credibility that he has left and will continue to push away even those on the left that sympathize with their claims.
Posted by eduardo at 10:47 AM | Comments (0)
Marzo 11, 2005
List of Bolivian National Team
New head coach Ovidio Messa gets his first crack at leading the Bolivian National Team with two games on the 26th and 29th of this month. Both games will be played in La Paz, where Bolivia holds a serious psychologial and unproven physiological advantage over its rivals due to the high altitude. The first match comes against world power, Argentina whose club teams have consistently failed to notch a victory in La Paz. Four years ago, Argentina miraculously came back from 1-3 to tie the game in the 89th and 90th minute.
It used to be that Venezuela was the cellar dweller of the CONMEBOL region of South American football. Now that the vinotintos have jumped ahead of Bolivia and left them as worst team in South America, this 2nd game against Venezuela would be an opportunity to change positions.
However, this game may not even be played. Venezuela is facing stiff sanctions from the world football governing body, FIFA due to internal political problems. The Venezuelan Football Federation has until March 19 to resolve issues with elections for their board or they will not be allowed to compete in international competitions.
Head coach Messa released the names of the 22 who will make up the squad to face their two rivals later this month. No real surprises, but one who was has once again been left off of the squad is Jaime Moreno, forward for Major League Soccer champs DC United. Moreno was a finalist for Most Valuable Player last season in a league that gets little respect from South America, even though they export players who play in Europe's top leagues. Players from the MLS comprised a large portion of the squad that reached the quarterfinals in the 2002 World Cup.
Interesting enough is that Joselito Vaca, an ex-player for the MLS team Metrostars was frequently on the bench for most of last season. Yet, when he returned to Bolivia to play for the club Blooming he was once again called into the squad.
Players Selected:
ARQUEROS (GOALKEEPERS)
1 LEONARDO FERNÁNDEZ - ATLETICO NACIONAL (COL)
2 JOSÉ C. FERNÁNDEZ - DEPORTIVO CALI (COL)
3 SERGIO D. GALARZA - WILSTERMANN
DEFENSORES (DEFENDERS)
4 PERCY COLQUE - BOLÍVAR
5 RONALD GUTIÉRREZ - THE STRONGEST
6 RONAL RALDES - ROSARIO CENTRAL (ARG)
7 SERGIO A. JÁUREGUI - BLOOMING
8 JUAN M. PEÑA - VILLAREAL (ESP)
9 OSCAR CARMELO SÁNCHEZ BOLÍVAR
10 LORGIO ÁLVAREZ - CERRO PORTEÑO (PAR)
11 DANNER J. PACHI - BOLÍVAR
MEDIOCAMPISTAS (MIDFIELDERS)
12 LIMBERT P. PIZARRO - BOLÍVAR
13 RONALD L. GARCÍA - ORIENTE PETROLERO
14 CARMELO ANGULO - BOLÍVAR
15 GONZALO GALINDO - BOLÍVAR
16 JULIO C. CORTEZ - LA PAZ F.C.
17 ERWIN SÁNCHEZ - ORIENTE PETROLERO
18 JOSELITO VACA - BLOOMING
DELANTEROS (FORWARDS)
19 JOAQUÍN BOTERO - PUMAS - UNAM (MEX)
20 DIEGO A. CABRERA - BOLÍVAR
21 JOSÉ A. CASTILLO - TECOS - UAG (MEX)
22 JUAN CARLOS ARCE - ORIENTE PETROLERO
Posted by eduardo at 01:46 PM | Comments (0)
Marzo 10, 2005
Thursday Update
Later this afternoon, President Carlos Mesa will meet with Evo Morales to negotiate an end to the road blockades. There is not much optimism because Morales and his new alliance continue to insist on raising the gas and oil royalties from 18% to 50%. In an interview with a Chilean newspaper, Evo is suggesting that Mesa is preparing to announce a state of siege and that his actions have the look of a "auto-coup".
Over the noon hour, Bolivians assembled in the main plazas of the Department capitals. Reports are still coming in as to the number that attended these rallies. There have been reports of 5,000 - 10,000 in the Plaza Murillo in La Paz. Mesa addressed the crowd in La Paz and indicated that he will not apply "mano dura" to the illegal blockades, rather "mano justa". He also indicated that blockaders will be arrested for not allowing for free transit.
Already in Santa Cruz, the police broke blockades formed by public transportation who were protesting the rise in fares. Mayor Percy Fernandez ordered the breaking of the blockades and 88 drivers were arrested. This may be a sign of things to come.
Posted by eduardo at 01:20 PM | Comments (0)
Marzo 09, 2005
Mesa's Ability as President
A line in Miguel B's recent post in MABB about the developments in Bolivia jumped out at me.
Now a few rumors about Mesa. We all have seen his incapacity to govern, but we just have to give him kudos on his performance on TV.
Sure I don't hide the fact that I admire Carlos Mesa and his sacrifice to jump into a difficult situation. Many (Miguel's post was far from being the first) seem to personalize the situation to find fault in Mesa's character. He may have made some wrong calculations here and there, but there is no precedent for what he is doing (governing without a political party and vowing to avoid violence). I don't think it's less his incapacity to govern Bolivia, but more, Bolivia's incapacity to be governed.
Posted by eduardo at 06:39 PM | Comments (3)
Evo Radicalizes
I thought Evo was a "traitor" and a "sellout". Well, at least according to Central Obrera Boliviana (COB) leader Jaime Solares he was. These labels were placed on Evo in reference to his support of the July 2004 Hydrocarbons Referendum, that Morales supported (specifically question #1-3). Last year, Morales was expelled from the COB as he became more moderate in comparison to the more radical sectors on the left (Solares, Felipe Quispe and Roberto de la Cruz). Evo did not advocate a boycott of the Referendum, nor suggested that his followers burn ballot boxes. Evo had ready access to the President as they shared many of the same views, i.e. the Constituent Assembly. Some even wondered whether Evo was an official part of Mesa's government.
Seven months later, that has all changed. Evo considers the President "primary enemy of the people". He has now become marginalized by many working and middle class sympathetic to the left.
Now that Evo has categorically refused to sign the Agreement reached last night, there was a necessity to find other allies to pursue his goals. The only others who would receive him with open arms are the ones that once wanted nothing to do with him.
Earlier today, Evo formed an alliance with Solares (COB), de la Cruz (COR), and Quispe. Abel Mamani of El Alto's FEJUVE did not sign the agreement because he arrived late to the meeting (according to news reports). This alliance's central issue will be the pursuit of a new Hydrocarbons Law that calls for 50% of royalties. Blockades, strikes and marches will be the primary means to achieve this. Even though MAS has had the 2nd largest number of seats in Congress, that political power has been drastically weakened. Members of his own party have left or have been kicked out. Any possibility of forming alliances with other political parties has also been squandered because doing so would hurt the party's credibility (imagine that!).
Now Evo has nothing to lose.
Posted by eduardo at 05:37 PM | Comments (0)
Turning the Tables
So Mesa stays and people danced cueca in the Plaza Murillo last night. The celebration may be short-lived unless Evo comes to the bargaining table and ends his blockades. Even though he and his party voted to reject the resignation of President Mesa, they did not sign the Acuerdo Ante la Nación. They are still calling for a 50% cut of royalties of all existing and future Hydrocarbons contracts, which would force companies to re-write agreements, instead of the 18% royalties + 32% new tax that Mesa and most of Congress is supporting.
Already Evo's name is synonymous with blockades instead of being synonymous with the representation of a large group of mostly indigenous who have never really taken part in democracy. That's a shame because MAS could have really built upon the 2nd place finish in the 2002 elections and to be seen as legitimate political alternative by the working and middle classes. The potential for alliances was there with many of the independent mayors (i.e. Terceros in Cochabamba, Granado in La Paz and Paredes in El Alto).
However, he has thrown that all away. The very mention of his name and one forgets about the legitimate gripes that the people he claims to represent, truly have.
Yes, the same political parties that once supported Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada are now supporting Mesa. However, there is a huge difference. The parties of Goni's 2002 coalition did not back Goni because they thought he is the right man for the job or believe he was the only solution for the moment, they did so in order to have access to a concrete number of government jobs. It's left to be seen whether the political parties especially MIR and NFR asked for similar patronage in return.
If they truly want to capitalize on this public display of support it could resurrect the parties from the dead. With public opinion polls at an all-time low for the political parties, the old-guard can declare that they truly have the best interests of the country in mind. When the country really needed the support of the parties, they did so. By putting the country ahead of personal interests, the parties have been misjudged: "See we are not so bad after all, right?"
Evo Morales and MAS, on the other hand, may find themselves at the bottom of public opinion polls (no matter how legitimate many of their complaints may be), flipping positions with the political parties. With two years to go before Presidential Elections, the MAS may think they have nothing to lose and step up the blockades or they can try and salvage any remaining shred of credibility to maintain what they had built over the past 3 years.
Posted by eduardo at 09:57 AM | Comments (0)
Marzo 08, 2005
Agreement Reached - Mesa Stays
In an unanimous vote, Congress voted to reject the resignation of President Carlos Mesa. An agreement "Acuerdo Ante la Nación" was reached and signed by the parties with the exception of MAS and MIP. The agreement called for:
a) Approval of a Hydrocarbons Law that guarantees maximum benefit for the State with attention to internal market, industrialization and current and future agreements and respects national soverignty.
b)Approval of legal framework that guarantees the election of Prefects, Referendum on Autonomies, and the convocation of the Constituent Assembly.
c)Convocation of a national agreement that supports the production, employment, and social inclusion and participation of the various sectors in Bolivian society.
d)Demand the suspension of blockades around the country within the framework of the national agreement, that supports the democratic stability and peace.
Reports are that the vote was unanimous, although I suspect that there were plenty of abstensions. CNN en Español had live footage of Mesa's speech to Congress. Several times throughout the speech there were interruptions of applause. However, there were many parts of the audience that sat with their arms crossed.
There are also calls to a mass rally on Thursday at noon in the main plazas of the Department capitals asking for an end to blockades. It is expected that Evo Morales will continue the blockades and the challenge is how to lift or convince the blockaders to stop.
Posted by eduardo at 09:30 PM | Comments (1)
Vote Delayed
The session of Congress has not begun. However, there are reports according to MegaVision, which is transmitting live on the internet, that there are discussions being held in the Banco Central where heads of the parties have urged Mesa to use force to lift the blockades. Mesa, however, wants an agreement to go along with a rejection of his resignation. Without this social pact, there will not be a clear agenda for the coming months. He wants a viable Hydrocarbons Law, a convocation of the Constituent Assembly and Autonomy Referendum, and the lifting of all blockades.
The vote is expected in the next hour.
Posted by eduardo at 05:32 PM | Comments (0)
Photos
From Reuters:
From the Associated Press:
Posted by eduardo at 03:02 PM | Comments (0)
Decisions, Decisions
A vigil is planned for 3:30 p.m. (hora Boliviana) in the Plaza Murillo where Bolivians will ask Congress to reject the resignation of President Carlos Mesa.
It is expected that the Parliment will, at that time, reject the resignation of President Carlos Mesa. This El Deber graphic shows the party breakdown in the Senate and House of Deputies. The leaders of each of the political parties met on Monday to plan their strategies, although some members of Congress will likely split from their party and vote in other ways. Reports indicate that the political parties MIR (Movimiento de la Izquierda Revolucionaria) and NFR (Nueva Fuerza Republicana) will not accept the resignation.
One of the other two parties with a large share of seats, MNR (Movimiento Nacionalista Revolucionario) will accept the resignation and call for early elections. There are large group of Movimientistas who are still bitter and blame Mesa for the downfall of Goni. However, there are some party members who have already publicly said that they will not vote with their party.
The MAS (Movimiento Al Socialismo) whose leader Evo Morales was publicly castigated by Mesa for his responsibility in paralyzing the country into a state of chaos, faces a critical decision. This decision will likely spell out MAS' political future.
By accepting Mesa's resignation, Morales would be handing the Presidency to Hormando Vaca Diez (MIR - Santa Cruz) or the 2nd in line, Mario Cossio (MNR - Tarija), thus almost guaranteeing a derailing of the process of the Constituent Assembly. Any chance of being invited to the bargaining table (as Mesa has done numerous times) would go down the drain. Evo and his crew are personally being held responsible for the current state of the country.
By rejecting Mesa's resignation, Morales would be, in essence, giving Mesa a vote of confidence. That vote would be a constant reminder that Evo supported Mesa and that he should stop his direct action in the streets and return to the Congress to debate and compromise.
There have been some rumblings that the MAS is scrambling to find some technicalitity that would declare Mesa's resignation invalid, and return it to him without it ever coming to a vote. Evo and the majority of the MAS do not want to have to make a decision.
Groups in Santa Cruz, including Nacion Camba founder, Carlos Dabdoub has also come out in favor of rejecting the resignation. However, they are urging him to restore order and do whatever is necessary to break the blockades.
Some of the blockades in Sucre and Santa Cruz have been dismantling as a sign of a defense of democracy, which leads to one important point in this mess, what happens when Mesa is "ratified" by the Congress and the general public? The blockades in El Alto and in the Chapare will still remain. Even with the majority public mandate, Mesa has vowed not to use force to break blockades or restore access to the major cities.
From the NY Times:
"Mesa has to understand that governments have the right, the legitimate right, to use force," said Eduardo Gamarra, the Bolivian-born director of the Latin America and Caribbean Center at Florida International University in Miami. "You can't just burn down a building or take over a government building because you don't like government policy.
Will he have no other choice?
Posted by eduardo at 12:01 AM | Comments (3)
Marzo 07, 2005
Congress To Convene on Tuesday 3 PM EST
Congress will assemble on Tuesday 4 PM Bolivian Time (3 PM EST) to consider Mesa's resignation letter. The different Parliment groups met today to discuss strategy and their respective votes.
Posted by eduardo at 05:50 PM | Comments (0)
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 04:46 PM | Comments (3)
Carlos Mesa Resignation Letter
La Paz 7 de marzo de 2005
Honorable Hormando Vaca Díez Presidente del Congreso Nacional y Honorables miembros del Congreso de Bolivia Presente. Señor Presidente del Congreso, Honorables Congresales:
Me toca asumir hoy una difícil y dolorosa decisión, que demanda mi mayor responsabilidad ante el país, y que ha sido tomada tras hacer una profunda reflexión íntima sobre el momento que está viviendo Bolivia. Cuando fui ungido Presidente el pasado 17 de octubre de 2003, encontré una Nación profundamente herida y aún bajo los efectos de una ola de violencia con pocos precedentes en nuestro pasado. Bolivia estaba entonces ante una larga y dolorosa lista de facturas históricas que todos juntos debíamos pagar. Mi tarea, Honorables Congresales, era devolver la paz y ejercitarla permanentemente, sobre la premisa de que debemos ser capaces de marchar hacia el futuro sin ejercer violencia, sin matar compatriotas, sin seguir construyendo la historia sobre el luto y el dolor.
Creo que es un objetivo logrado hasta hoy haciendo honor al compromiso que asumí el 13 de octubre de 2003. Recibí también una situación económica catastrófica, expresada en un déficit fiscal de un 8,1 % del PIB, que demandaba un ejercicio de austeridad muy grande desde el gobierno y desde la sociedad. Ese ejercicio se hizo y se lograron en un tiempo corto resultados alentadores. Encaré finalmente la mayor responsabilidad de todas al comprometer mi esfuerzo y el de mi gobierno en tres temas. La realización de un referéndum vinculante sobre nuestros hidrocarburos y la consecuente aprobación de una ley que emergiera de esa consulta popular. Una Asamblea Constituyente que le de a Bolivia una nueva Constitución, para tener un nuevo horizonte y un futuro de consenso y de unidad. A esta agenda que es la agenda de Bolivia, sumé el 20 de abril de 2004 el desafío de superar el centralismo -un mecanismo histórico agotado- proponiendo la construcción de autonomías que permitan una descentralización real que de a nuestros departamentos un mejor escenario forjado con su propio esfuerzo y sobre la base de sus propias decisiones. Estos temas no son, Honorables Congresales, sino las demandas genuinas que nacen de la base de nuestra sociedad y que se expresan a través de multitudinarias manifestaciones populares.
He trabajado por ellos, como les consta, durante todos los días de mi gobierno con fe inquebrantable. He luchado siempre desde donde me ha tocado actuar por una Nación de iguales, he luchado por la inclusión y el respeto de las mayorías y por una visión que reconozca el papel fundamental de los pueblos indígenas, cuyos derechos deben ser reconocidos para terminar con una larga historia inaceptable de racismo y exclusión. A la vez, estoy convencido que no se puede construir Nación sin entender que un país plural con nueve millones de ciudadanas y ciudadanos, debe ser capaz de compartir esta tierra respetando la pluralidad étnica y cultural y su extraordinario y enriquecedor mestizaje. Un país que produce, que garantiza la seguridad jurídica, que respeta el éxito de quien genera riqueza, empleo, exportaciones y bienes a favor de nuestra comunidad, un país en el que nadie es más que el otro y en el que todos nos sentimos orgullosos vivamos donde vivamos, un país en el que unos reciben a otros con los brazos abiertos, sin cuestionar el lugar donde nacieron, su color, su orientación personal, sus ideas políticas o religiosas. He trabajado sin descanso para lograr estos objetivos en condiciones adversas y frente a presiones casi insostenibles, he dado lo mejor de mi y he contado con colaboradores patriotas, desprendidos de cualquier interés, que han trabajado en nuestro gobierno sin desmayo.
He tenido una relación compleja con el Poder que ustedes representan, pero a pesar de las dificultades, hemos avanzado juntos en cuestiones cruciales como la reforma constitucional, la ley del referéndum, las leyes económicas que me permitieron garantizar la estabilidad macroeconómica y otras que necesitaban todos. He contado en las últimas semanas con el apoyo patriota de representantes nacionales que han acompañado a nuestro gobierno porque creen en nuestros ideales y en la forma en que hemos gobernado; para ellos un especial reconocimiento.
Hemos tenido diferencias y es natural y democrático que así sea, pero a pesar de esto no puedo menos que valorar es esfuerzo de este Honorable Cuerpo por superar las dificultades que este momento nos ha impuesto a todos. Ha llegado, sin embargo, un momento decisivo y d elato riesgo. Mi obligación es gobernar y hacerlo garantizando a la Nación las condiciones mínimas de convivencia civilizada y pacífica. Las posiciones de algunos de lo más importantes protagonistas de la política boliviana y de algunas organizaciones sociales, regionales y sindicales, están llevando a Bolivia a un punto de confrontación que pone en riesgo, a mi entender, nuestro futuro y nuestra viabilidad. No puedo seguir gobernando asediado por un bloqueo nacional que estrangule al país, o ante ultimátum, huelgas, amenaza y acciones de hecho que no hacen otra cosa que destruir nuestro aparato productivo, nuestra confianza y nuestro futuro.
No puedo en conciencia avalar propuestas legislativas que in viabilicen nuestra sociedad y la hagan interdicta ante la comunidad internacional, o acciones cuya irresponsabilidad cargue sobre las espaldas de esta sociedad nuevas obligaciones millonarias que simplemente desfondarán nuestro tesoro nacional. Un tesoro que afronta ya la difícil tarea de seguir equilibrando la brecha entre ingresos y egresos, que nos permita cumplir obligaciones salariales esenciales para nuestros compatriotas en rubros tan sensibles como pensiones, educación, salud. Siento que en estas circunstancias me es imposible seguir gobernando, que el país requiere con urgencia construir una alianza que le permita avanzar sin la espada de Damocles de la presión, los bloqueos y las demandas irracionales que se han multiplicado como fuegos en todo el territorio nacional y amenazan con incendiarlo todo, ahora que Bolivia está precisamente viviendo el despegue económico que puede hacer que en el próximo quinquenio, nuestro crecimiento permita finalmente mejorar la situación atribulada de nuestros compatriotas más necesitados.
Es por estas razones y por las expuestas en el mensaje a la Nación del día de ayer que adjunto esta carta, que he decidido poner a consideración del país, a través del Honorable Congreso Nacional elegido por el pueblo, mi renuncia deal cargo de Presidente Constitucional de la República. Expreso ante Ustedes mi profundo agradecimiento a un pueblo que más allá de cualquier situación, se siente profundamente boliviano y cree en un mejor futuro, que siempre que ha sido convocado ha dicho ípresenteí con responsabilidad, patriotismo y afán de paz. Es a ese pueblo al que nos debemos y en el que debemos pensar siempre en la hora de la tribulación. Tengan la seguridad Señores Congresales que encontrarán en mi siempre un hombre de paz, que apuesta por la vida, que ama a su patria con todas sus fuerzas y que ha tomado esta decisión convencido de que es el mejor servicio que puede prestarse.
Que Dios, aquel en el que creen los bolivianos y bolivianas desde lo más profundo de sus espíritus, acompañe sus decisiones en bien de esta Nación a la que le debemos todo.
CARLOS D. MESA GISBERT PRESIDENTE CONSTITUCIONAL DE BOLIVIA
Posted by eduardo at 01:09 PM | Comments (0)
Public Support for Mesa
Last night's impromptu gathering of thousands in the Plaza Murillo in La Paz may seem tiny in comparison to the protests in Santa Cruz or El Alto. However, one must remember that these gatherings were not coerced nor setup to be a giant Carnaval-like party.
Gatherings took place in Cochabamba, Tarija, Potosi, and Oruro, and Sucre. It's easy to see why these visible showings of support are so important. With approval ratings above 50% in most of the country, the supporters are not organized into unions, neighborhood groups, civic groups or business groups. They are not rewarded for assembling on a Sunday night, nor are they forced by their employers to gather in the main plazas across the country. So when Bolivians take the street with hand-made signs (and not mass-produced flags and banners), then the sincere participation in public protest seems much more evident.
These silent majorities do not have the weight of the media behind them nor the obligation bestowed by movement leaders. Already the large media outlets, controlled by Mesa's opponents are editorializing the situation:
Posteriormente, cuando la gente se concentraba en la Plaza Murillo, la red Unitel puso estos caracteres sobre las imágenes: "renuncia, lo aplauden y sonríe. ¿La renuncia es una jugada populista?". La intención de ese forma de reflejar la noticia, parecía ser la de provocar que la gente acepte la renuncia del Presidente.
Even the Cochabamba newspaper Opinion chimed in irresponsibly:
Mesa en patético discurso anuncia dimitir a su cargo (pathetic speech?). Yes, Mesa did make a speech, but qualifying it as "pathetic" and using it as your #1 headline goes beyond practicing unethical journalism.
Posted by eduardo at 08:46 AM | Comments (0)
Plaza Murillo
A spontaneous gathering of thousands of Bolivians in the main plaza of La Paz, Plaza Murillo to support President Carlos Mesa.
Note: Photos from Yahoo.
Posted by eduardo at 01:10 AM | Comments (1)
Text of Mesa's Speech
The full text of Mesa's speech is located here. Mesa calls out Evo Morales and Abel Mamani, head of FEJUVE.
En esta locura estamos y, yo no estoy dispuesto, créame don Abel Mamani, no estoy dispuesto, no estoy dispuesto a hacerle a usted el juego de la irresponsabilidad; no estoy dispuesto a seguir en esta comedia vergonzosa en la que estamos, esta comedia que nos está llevando a la destrucción de Bolivia, con acciones conscientes de quienes han decidido bloquear Bolivia, bloquear El Alto.
Evo's call to blockade calling for a Constituent Assembly, one that is already slated and Mesa fully supports, will paralyze the country. Why blockade for something that the President already supports?
Posted by eduardo at 12:56 AM | Comments (0)
Marzo 06, 2005
Morales - Anti-Democratic
This article in La Nacion in Argentina shows Evo Morales' true colors.
"Mesa no dijo que su renuncia es irrevocable. Es un chantaje, en su desesperación frente a su propia incapacidad para resolver los problemas del país", afirmó el diputado y líder del movimiento cocalero.
Evo seems to think that Mesa is in the position of the Presidency in order to help his ego.
"Hay un odio racial de Carlos Mesa contra Evo Morales y Abel Mamani. Cuando hubo protestas en Santa Cruz (en enero), Mesa fue a negociar. Jamás los atacó como a nosotros nos ataca. El verdadero Mesa es un gran defensor de la capitalización y de las privatizaciones", afirmó el jefe socialista.
Bringing in this terminology of race into this conflict is very dangerous. Evo seems to forget that he was a frequent visitor to the Palacio Quemado and was believed to be an unofficial member of Mesa's administration. However, it soon became evident that one cannot reason with Evo and members of his own party left (or kicked out) because of this.
Posted by eduardo at 11:46 PM | Comments (0)
Parliment to Accept or Reject Resignation
CNN is showing live footage of supporters of Carlos Mesa asking him to reconsider his decision to submit his resignation. Parliment will now have the task of accepting or rejecting this resignation. Most likely it is a gamble to show the alternative and the constitutional succession of power. Hormando Vaca Diez (MIR-Santa Cruz) would take over as President of Bolivia. With that, the Constitutent Assembly would be thrown off track, power would be handed on a silver platter to the Santa Cruz oligarchy, and the social movements would explode to sights unseen.
Posted by eduardo at 11:19 PM | Comments (0)
MESA TO RESIGN
Reuters - Bolivia President Mesa Resigns as Protests Spread
It's on CNN en Español right now, Evo Morales is saying that Mesa is launching an "auto-coup".
Posted by eduardo at 10:00 PM | Comments (0)
Marzo 01, 2005
Chavez and Bolivia
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez spoke about the current events in Bolivia during his ¡Aló, Presidente! television program. Chavez made reference to his good friend Evo Morales and the autonomy movement in Santa Cruz. He also praised Carlos Mesa for his commitment to seeing the Constituent Assembly through.
Without specifying names, he alluded to the groups in Santa Cruz.
“La oligarquía boliviana, empujada por Washington, está tratando de dividir a Bolivia en pedazos, por eso algunas regiones, casualmente las petroleras, intentan evitar la convocatoria de la Asamblea”,
Hate him or find him amusing, his comments have truth in them. One must wonder who financed the cabildo and other groups like the Union Juvenil. There were some hints that Transredes paid for much of the organization of the popular assembly.
Posted by eduardo at 12:18 AM | Comments (2)