« OAS Declaration on Bolivia | Main | Congress to Meet in Sucre »
Junio 07, 2005
Why are the Questions Always Better Than the Answers?
At today's Daily Press Briefing, Bolivia was a hot topic. However, some of the questions we all want answers to, were replied with vague statements. Let's give credit to the anonymous questioners for raising the issues.
QUESTION: Yes, change of subject. Were you in any way blindsided by the resignation of Bolivian President Mesa? And apparently, the Bolivian public has been protesting concerning energy policy and constitutional reform and they don't like his designated replacement — that's the congressional President Diaz — even more so? And what are, if anything, were the influences of both Cuba and Venezuela? Did that enter into the discussions in Fort Lauderdale?
MR. MCCORMACK: Well, I think that we all recognize that this is a difficult time for Bolivia and the Bolivian people and for President Mesa. I think we would urge a peaceful democratic constitutional resolution to the tensions that you alluded to that exist within Bolivia. And I would say that the United States, as well as other countries in the hemisphere stand ready to assist Bolivia. The OAS has made an offer of assistance, as of yesterday at least. The Bolivian Government indicated that they would resolve any issues that they have internally by themselves. But again, we stand ready to assist, if there is need for assistance.
QUESTION: Still on Latin America and not Bolivia. Assistant Secretary Roger Noriega expressed some concerns on the role maybe played by the Venezuelan Government on the Bolivian crisis. Do you have anything on that? Is it suggesting that Venezuela played any instability role in the region in the South American country? Thank you.
MR. MCCORMACK: I haven't seen Assistant Secretary Noriega's remarks. I think I'd want to take a look at them before I actually took a shot at answering that question.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy is sending most of their personnel back to the States. Another travel warning was issued today. The warning was issued for all of Bolivia, it should be emphasized that a large majority of the problems have been in La Paz.
At the Organization of American States' meeting in Florida, a declaration was passed offering assistance to Bolivia. However, Bolivia has rejected any intervention.
During the same meeting, barbs were exchanges as Roger Noriega hinted that Hugo Chavez had an active hand in the recent turmoil (as referenced to in the Daily Briefing). Venezuelan foreign minister Alí Rodríguez vehemently denied these claims.
Chávez' profile in Bolivia has been very apparent from the beginning,'' Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Roger Noriega said in response to a question about Chavez' influence on the turmoil in Bolivia.
''His record is apparent and speaks for itself,'' Noriega told reporters atthe Organization of American States's general assembly in Fort Lauderdale. He adding that the situation ``was worrisome.''
Once again, Rodriguez asked for credible proof that this is taking place.
Posted by eduardo at Junio 7, 2005 08:19 PM