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Mayo 31, 2006
Separated at Birth?
La Paz Prefect and ex-Mayor of El Alto, Jose Luis "Pepe Lucho" Paredes vs. American Idol winner Tyler Hicks
Sadly, my blog has had to resort to this.
Posted by eduardo at 12:04 AM | Comments (1)
Mayo 30, 2006
Evo to Attend Clinton Summit
Bolivian President Evo Morales has accepted Bill Clinton's invitation to be a part of a "Call to Action" summit sponsored by his Global Initiative. The summit to be held on September 20-22 in New York seeks to bring "together a community of global leaders to devise and implement innovative solutions to global problems."
Posted by eduardo at 12:53 AM | Comments (0)
Mayo 25, 2006
Reelection is not an Official Position
Some of the social movements and other MAS congressmen have publicly come out in favor of changing the Constitution so that a president can be reelected for a consecutive term. However, Vice-President Alvaro Garcia Linera and the offical MAS stance does not support this proposal.
Linera indicated that President Evo Morales is putting the final touches on the MAS proposal that will be presented on August 6, in which reelection is not part of it. Five years is enough for the current government to carry out the structural reforms.
"In the final document, which is being reviewed by the President, the proposal for reelection is not included and this has come out of the debate among the constituent candidates that took place three weeks ago," said Garcia Linera.
Posted by eduardo at 02:25 PM | Comments (4)
Mayo 22, 2006
Erosion of Democracy
Q Thank you. Alana Foster (ph), Westport, Connecticut. Speaking of oil-producing countries that are not friendly to the United States right now, I'm very concerned about what's going on in Venezuela and Bolivia and all, the coalition of Hugo Chavez. I wondered what your strategy was going to be, or what you're working on in that respect.
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. I am going to continue to remind our hemisphere that respect for property rights and human rights is essential for all countries in order for there to be prosperity and peace. I'm going to remind our allies and friends in the neighborhood that the United States of America stands for justice; that when we see poverty, we care about it and we do something about it; that we care for good -- we stand for good health care.
I'm going to remind our people that meddling in other elections is -- to achieve a short-term objective is not in the interests of the neighborhood. I will continue to remind people that trade is the best way to help people be lifted from poverty; that we can spend money -- and we do in the neighborhood -- but the best way for there to be growth is to encourage commerce and trade and prosperity through the marketplace.
I want to remind people that the United States stands against corruption at all levels of government, that the United States is transparent. The United States expects the same from other countries in the neighborhood, and we'll work toward them.
We'll continue to work with forces like the Central -- countries like the Central American countries, where we passed a free trade agreement called CAFTA, to remind the people in that area that relations with the United States will be beneficial to their people. There's a lot of things we're doing.
Thank you very much. I'm concerned -- let me just put it bluntly -- I'm concerned about the erosion of democracy in the countries you mentioned. (Applause.)
Why is Ms. Foster concerned about what is going on in Bolivia? Will it mean even higher gas prices for her van? Sure, blame Evo Morales for the $3.50/gallon price hanging on the local gas station sign. The poor oil companies, after record breaking profits, are the victim here.
Perhaps she is concerned about poverty in Bolivia and that could mean even more immigration from Bolivia.
I wonder if Bush was worried about the erosion of democracy when Goni took office and divvied up the government and had no accountability to the population. Is democracy considered eroded when only a select few get an opportunity to govern and corruption runs rampant? Bush makes it sound like Evo Morales had just undone a flawless democracy that politicians helped create the conditions for a MAS government.
Posted by eduardo at 09:50 PM | Comments (1)
Johnny Fernandez
Johnny Fernandez, former chief of Unidad Cívica Solidaridad (UCS), a political party which had not much success in recent elections, resurfaced with a bit of flare for the dramatic. Even though one of his half-million dollar country homes was auctioned off to pay back taxes, Fernandez laughed it off. Fernandez has been largely M.I.A. since his sixth-place presidential finish in 2002. (Photo: El Nuevo Dia)
After some of his posessions were auctioned off at the National Tax Service (SIN), Johnny Fernandez called a press conference at his house in the neighborhood of Las Palmas, where he denied that he was in bankruptcy, which was a rumor that circulated in political and economic circles. He even showed the press a suitcase with dollars that he received from the interest of his CDs (Certificates of Deposits) in the United States.
“It was only a problem of liquidity. I have more than ten million dollars in properties in Bolivia and I am not bankrupt. I also have property investments and CDs in other countries, but it’s difficult to withdraw. I am even thinking of a strong return to politics,” said Fernandez.
Posted by eduardo at 02:02 AM | Comments (2)
Mayo 21, 2006
Peru Elections
I'm not going to attempt to give my opinion on the upcoming Peru elections, since it is not my country. Yes, the outcome will obviously affect Bolivia, but I'll just sit back and watch. Tonight I had the opportunity to watch a portion of the Presidential debate between Ollanta Humala and Alan Garcia. To my surprise, Evo Morales' name was brought up by Garcia, claiming Peru should not apply "Evo Morales-style politics" to that country, which was a reference to a possible Humala victory, who has been lazily compared to Morales. When was the last time that a Bolivian leader was such a topic of discussion in a neighboring country's elections?
Posted by eduardo at 10:46 PM | Comments (0)
Mayo 18, 2006
GV Weekly Roundup
The new Bolivian blog weekly summary is up at Global Voices Online. This week's round-up focuses on the blog maintained by the Constitutional Tribunal, which allows for individuals to comment about its rulings.
Posted by eduardo at 01:12 AM | Comments (0)
Mayo 16, 2006
London
Millennium Bridge to St. Paul's Cathedral
Posted by eduardo at 01:36 AM | Comments (0)
Mayo 09, 2006
Brazilian Blog Reaction
The newest Global Voices Online contributor, José Murilo Junior will be responsible for the round-ups of the Brazilian blogs. His latest article deals with Brazilian blogger reaction of Evo Morales’ announcement of nationalization of the hydrocarbons. The blogger at Blog da Reeleição, and Lula supporter, wrote:
“Bolivia is the poorest country in South America. A succession of neo-liberal governments handed out its natural resources to foreigners who promised to help the country bringing in money which would improve the quality of life in Bolivia, but that never happened. Bolivia turned out to be a ‘casa da mãe Joana’ and Petrobrás, during the government of Fernando Henrique Cardoso, pissed with the bathroom door open and put its boots on the table. What Morales did was clean up his home. He is not sending Petrobrás away. He is just telling Petrobrás to close the door while pissing, and take the boots off the table.”
So Evo is telling Petrobras to mind its manners?
Posted by eduardo at 08:30 PM | Comments (0)
Mayo 08, 2006
For Bolivia, For Once
My most cherished possession sits safely in a bank deposit box, until I can figure out the proper way to display and protect it. A few years back, I was given my late grandfather’s medal from the Chaco War. Shiny, colorful and authentic, the historic memento was given to those soldiers who fought in a dead-end war. As a result, even more territory was chipped away, as had been a common practice throughout the country’s history. In each of those instances, outside interests propelled those acts and without a doubt, the motivating factor for the conflict was the promise of natural resources in a vast, dry and lifeless land on the Bolivian and Paraguayan border. Fueled by the interests of oil companies, Bolivia sent tens of thousands of soldiers to their eventual death.
Regardless of the reasons and the questions hindsight may bring, my grandfather was extremely proud for having served his country. In his wallet, he still carried his lifetime railway pass given to veterans, even though that transportation service had ceased to operate during the capitalization process. During his last years on earth, he was adamant that he should be buried alongside his veteran brothers in the mausoleum specifically for veterans in the Cochabamba public cemetery.
Fast forward seventy years and this war and the service provided by these Bolivians are being invoked as a cause. Gas and oil was eventually discovered in the Gran Chaco area, yet the million dollar question is always, “if Bolivia’s so rich (in natural resources) why is it so poor?” Much of it has a lot to do with for so long, few Bolivian leaders put the interests of Bolivia first. When the nationalization announcement arrived, many analysts and journalists concentrated on how such a move would affect other countries’ interests. When has Bolivia’s interests been placed squarely in front?
No one can argue that businesses’ chief objective is to make as much money as possible for its shareholders. Record profits and a magical number of multiple times recuperation of investments cannot be tolerated when so many Bolivians still live in empty opportunities. I am not a socialist and am convinced that private enterprises are essential for economic growth and businesses must be encouraged and protected. It’s naïve to think that multi-national companies operate on a strict code of ethics (see: Enron). But to allow for such obscene amounts of profit and the placing of profits so far ahead of human lives, then the state has the right and obligation to protect its interests. Voters often cited that Evo Morales would be the only candidate who would put Bolivia first, even though his tactics and rhetoric may leave a lot to be desired.
Who can be surprised by the turn the country is undergoing? It’s the legacy of the war veterans, the millions of indigenous slaves that were exploited and died in the mines, a people who were considered sub-human, and an apartheid-like society that stimulates the current sentiment in the country. Outside interests all said that this was acceptable because someone somewhere might get rich. When will it be time for Bolivia to finally put Bolivia first?
The lavish in-your-face displays left a bad taste in the mouth of many that thought it unnecessary. Stenciled banners reading “Nationalized” and “Property of the State” was not made for people like me, who don’t know what it’s like to never achieve a small victory once in awhile. How is this any different than a more subtle reminder that Bolivia is property of everyone else, but itself? Creditors were in the business of allowing Bolivia to be indebted to the lending institutions so that it would have to sign ludicrous contracts and sign away its state patrimonies. I understand the concept of privatization and think we can learn a lot from how businesses operate, but there’s a big difference between the privatization of a service such as an airline and signing away natural resources, which belongs to everyone.
Yes, the newly constituted state oil company failed in the past. There was good reason to find another way to make it more efficient. Yes, because of the capitalization process, most of the natural gas reserves in discussion were found. However, Bolivia for once has an opportunity to become less dependent on foreign aid, which never comes without strings attached. It frustrates me to hear that this nationalization process was announced only to transform Bolivia to South Venezuela or to create a political slush fund. Again, there are real concerns that I hold regarding much of the recent events, such as allowing the Venezuelan oil company and Bolivia’s main rival to export gas to Brazil to audit its books, but in the end, I honestly believe that there is a sincere desire to serve the most marginalized and destitute people in Bolivia, those people who have never had any reason to hope for the better. And for once, Bolivia has a bargaining chip and can be a participant in its own destiny instead of being merely a bystander.
Posted by eduardo at 03:42 PM | Comments (10)
Mayo 05, 2006
BFF?
Brazilian President Lula was stunned by the May 1 announcement. Soon after an emergency meeting was held in Puerto Iguazu with Lula (whose country relies heavily on Bolivian gas), Nestor Kirchner of Argentina and Hugo Chavez of Venezuela. They were set to discuss the recent nationalization and how it would affect all of the countries. Venezuela, who has its own massive gas reserves, is a key player in the building of a pipeline across the continent. There was speculation that the two consumer presidents would be angry, but it appears that they are all best friends after the meeting. Maybe these four heads of state are readying a guys night out.
Here is a quote from Kirchner:
"We respect and salute Bolivia's sovereign decision."
Even President Lula seemed to come to terms with the nationalization by reiterating that the prices should be set through bilateral negotiations. However, at least now Bolivia has a bargaining chip, a position that it rarely finds itself. The country was also invited to be a part of the gas pipeline, in which it was previously left out of.
*Note BFF means Best Friends Forever in internet lingo.
Posted by eduardo at 03:05 PM | Comments (2)
Mayo 04, 2006
GV Weekly Summary
This is the crossposted latest Bolivian blog summary at Global Voices Online. It mainly includes the immediate reactions and does not include much of the later entries about this subject.
Special Hydrocarbons Nationalization Edition
Nationalization. What does it actually mean? The word was bandied about during the 2005 elections. Seemingly every candidate ran on some sort of platform advocating for the nationalization of Bolivia’s hydrocarbons, which currently stand at the second largest gas reserves in the region. The practice made sense since the majority of Bolivians in all nine departments overwhelmingly passed a 2004 Referendum (ES) pushing for the nationalization of these natural resources. However, there were debates as to what nationalizing actually entailed. The outright winner, Evo Morales, promised to push his own view of nationalization through sooner, rather than later.
For some, especially on the radical far left, this would be accomplished with nothing less than the expropriation of physical property without any form of indemnization. Others thought Morales would take a more pragmatic approach and work with the foreign companies to renegotiate the contracts. During his worldwide tour before taking office (aka the Sweater tour), he reassured the governments home to many of these companies, such as Brazil and Spain, that the process would be for the benefit of both sides. Time and time again, he would reiterate, “we (Bolivia) need partners, not masters.” All of this sought to reverse the partial privatization launched by then president Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada in the mid 1990s.
One hundred days into the administration, some were wondering why the delay. There were some grumblings that if nationalization did not take place soon, the mobilizations that brought down two previous presidents would begin. Morales would remind his supporters that “it (nationalization) is not simple, it is not easy.”
On May 1, on the traditional workers’ day around the world, Morales did make it look simple. Signing the supreme decree 28701 (ES), he announced that the hydrocarbons had been nationalized. Fanfare included signs hanging from the different structures declaring his own “mission accomplished” with great banners simply reading “Nationalized”. At that moment, he announced that the Armed Forces had descended onto the different oil fields to enforce this new decree.
In the main plaza of La Paz, celebrations broke out as one of the campaign promises had been carried through. However, this goes back to the original question, what does this mean? The previously reassured countries, such as Spain and Brazil, were no longer reassured. Petrobras, Bolivia’s largest investor called this move very unfriendly and would investigate how it would respond.
Within moments that the press broke the story, the Bolivian blogosphere also responded, but it remained rather shocked at the manner and the timing. Much of the first entries were merely reporting what was being said in the national and international media and others said that they would reserve judgment until more information is released.
Sebastian Molina and his Plan B (ES) blog highlight some of the background material and that a television spot has been running on Bolivian television announcing the new changes, including a plea requesting the social sectors to “defend this patriotic measure that will be the base of national development.” One of the other websites he helps maintain Bolivia.Mundoalreves.com also serves as a good resources for Spanish-language articles, as well as what other non-Bolivian blogs are saying about this subject. Miguel Buitrago (MABB) also lists a wide variety of links from national and international media sources. Alvaro Ruiz Navajas' Off Topic summarizes the immediate reactions from the opposition groups and social movements, which hold the same position in some cases.
Boli-Nica talks about a precedent for this nationalization and the country most affected, the United States, practically did nothing. The two previous nationalizations took place in the 1930s and at the beginning of the 1970s, at the hands of military governments, instead of the current civilian government.
Jonathan Olguin and his Journal of Bolivian Business and Politics nicely summarizes the different companies that are currently operating in the country. However, he also stated, “I’m concerned, this is nothing but the long needed and awaited contract-renegotiation under a populist guise”
Other bloggers were emotionally moved by this act. In his blog Así como me ves me tienes (ES) , Sergio Asturizaga, a Bolivian currently living in Brazil, the country which may bear much of the brunt of this decision said.
Soverignty. This is what Bolivians should have with our rich natural resources. Upon seeing the news, photos in the newspaper, I feel really happy because finally we can enjoy the fruits of our own natural resources.
He also wonders steps Brazil will take seeing that they still depend heavily on Bolivia’s gas for its industries.
The image also struck Rolando Lopez of Rocko Weblog:
A Bolivian flag flying high over the oil field “San Alberto” in Tarija, closely guarded by the military and a President reading the decree that finally nationalizes the hydrocarbons. Surely it will be an image that will become historic. At the same time, scenes reappear of the cruel annihilation of Bolivians and Paraguayans in the Chaco War, the first to defend the grand riches within the piece of jungle. Years later, the same annihilation among own enemies fighting for the same riches that the same treason took away from us.
Not everyone was pleased with the showmanship. Carlos Gustavo Machicado Salas indicated that he wasn’t sure what all of this meant, in a post in his blog Guccio’s, but wasn’t suprised by the action because it had been promised by this new government.
What was surprising was the manner in which the whole thing was conducted, with the mobilized army, giant banners, and other things that may not have been necessary. This arrogance could result in the other actors in this game (the companies) could act in the same way.
Javier Sandoval's entry was given the title "Evo Morales Ayma....a complete showman" and was meant in the negative sense of the word. His blog is called Javier Libro Abierto (ES).
Miguel Centellas of Ciao! links to a blog that introduces the concept and fully agrees that Bolivia is or is on its way to becoming a rentier state, which is defined as a state that uses its resources owned by the state for political gain. This does not bode well for the country because typically countries that operate as these states have poor economic track records.
What comes next? Few know what might follow, however, Briegel Busch, believes that many of the companies will take Bolivia to international arbitration, as stipulated in their contracts. He writes in his blog Bolivia Eclipse (ES) that he wonders whether the President and his advisors, during the excitement of announcing such a measure on such a symbolic date, overlooked the fact that the country relies heavily on international cooperation.
The reaction is mixed among the Bolivian blogosphere, but the many are celebrating this historic measure and others are reserving judgement until more information is released.
Finally, the name of the supreme decree is called Heroes of the Chaco in honor of the soldiers who perished in the Chaco War. Javier Rodriguez and his new blog Diario de Un Demente Frustrado (ES) colorfully describes the event. He draws attention to the speech given by the Vice-President, Alvaro Garcia Linera who said that the gas martyrs could now rest in piece that the country now is honoring that sacrifice.
Rodriguez adds:
Today there is no doubt that we are completely in a Revolution in every strict meaning of the word.
Posted by eduardo at 06:24 AM | Comments (0)
Mayo 01, 2006
Nationalization Supreme Decree
Text of Supreme Decree 28701 - Heroes of the Chaco
after the jump.
CONSIDERANDO:
Que en históricas jornadas de lucha, el pueblo ha conquistado a costa de su sangre, el derecho de que nuestra riqueza hidrocarburífera vuelva a manos de la nación y sea utilizada en beneficio del país.
Que en el Referéndum Vinculante de 18 de julio de 2004, a través de la contundente respuesta a la pregunta 2, el pueblo ha decidido, de manera soberana, que el Estado Nacional recupere la propiedad de todos los hidrocarburos producidos en el país.
Que de acuerdo alo expresamente dispuesto en los Artículos 136, 137 y 139 de la Constitución Política del Estado, los hidrocarburos son bienes nacionales de dominio originario, directo, inalienables e imprescriptibles del Estado, razón por la que constituyen propiedad pública inviolable.
Que por mandato del inciso 5 del Articulo 59 de la Constitución Política del Estado, los contratos de explotación de riquezas nacionales deben ser autorizados y aprobados por el Poder Legislativo, criterio reiterado en la sentencia del Tribunal Constitucional N0 00 19/2005 de 7 de marzo de 2005.
Que esta autorización y aprobación legislativa constituye fundamento del contrato de explotación de riquezas nacionales por tratarse del consentimiento que otorga la nación, como propietaria de estas riquezas, a través de sus representantes.
Que las actividades de exploración y producción de hidrocarburos se están llevando adelante mediante contratos que no han cumplido con los requisitos constitucionales y que violan expresamente los mandatos de la Carta Magna al entregar la propiedad de nuestra riqueza hidrocarburífera a manos extranjeras.
Que ha expirado el plazo de 180 días, señalado por el Articulo 5 de la Ley N0 3058 de 17 de mayo de 2005 Ley de Hidrocarburos, para la suscripción obligatoria de nuevos contratos.
Que el llamado proceso de capitalización y privatización de Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos - YPFB ha significado no sólo un grave daño económico al Estado, sino además un acto de traición a la patria al entregar a manos extranjeras el control y la dirección de un sector estratégico, vulnerando la soberanía y la dignidad nacionales.
Que de acuerdo a los Artículos 24 y 135 de la Constitución Política del Estado, todas las empresas establecidas en el país se consideran nacionales y están sometidas a la soberanía, leyes y autoridades de la República.
Que es voluntad y deber del Estado y del Gobierno Nacional, nacionalizar y recuperar la propiedad de los hidrocarburos, en aplicación a lo dispuesto por la Ley de Hidrocarburos.
Que el Pacto Internacional de los Derechos Civiles y Políticos, como también el Pacto de los Derechos Económicos y Culturales, suscritos el 16 de diciembre de 1966, determinan que: … todos los pueblos pueden disponer libremente de sus riquezas y recursos naturales, sin perjuicio de las obligaciones que derivan de la cooperación económica internacional basada en el principio del beneficio reciproco, así como del derecho internacional. En ningún caso podrá privarse a un pueblo de sus propios medios de subsistencia
Que Bolivia ha sido el primer país del Continente en nacionalizar sus hidrocarburos, en el año 1937 a la Standar Oil Co., medida heroica, que se tomó nuevamente en el año 1969 afectando a la Gulf Oil, correspondiendo a la generación presente llevar adelante la tercera y definitiva nacionalización de su gas y su petróleo.
Que esta medida se inscribe en la lucha histórica de las naciones, movimientos sociales y pueblos originarios por reconquistar nuestras riquezas como base fundamental para recuperar nuestra soberanía.
Que por lo expuesto corresponde emitir la presente disposición, para llevar adelante la nacionalización de los recursos hidrocarburíferos del país.
EN CONSEJO DE MINISTROS
DECRETA:
ARTICULO 1.- En ejercicio de la soberanía nacional, obedeciendo el mandato del pueblo boliviano expresado en el Referéndum vinculante del 18 de julio del 2004 y en aplicación estricta de los preceptos constitucionales, se nacionalizan los recursos naturales hidrocarburíferos del país. El Estado recupera la propiedad, la posesión y el control total y absoluto de estos recursos.
ARTICULO 2.-
I. A partir del 1 de mayo del 2006, las empresas petroleras que actualmente realizan actividades de producción de gas y petróleo en el territorio nacional, están obligadas a entregar en propiedad a Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos YPFB, toda la producción de hidrocarburos.
II. YPFB, a nombre y en representación del Estado, en ejercicio pleno de la propiedad de todos los hidrocarburos producidos en el país, asume su comercialización, definiendo las condiciones, volúmenes y precios tanto para el mercado interno, como para la exportación y la industrialización.
ARTICULO 3.-
I. Sólo podrán seguir operando en el país las compañías que acaten inmediatamente las disposiciones del presente Decreto Supremo, hasta que en un plazo no mayor a 180 días desde su promulgación, se regularice su actividad, mediante contratos, que cumplan las condiciones y requisitos legales y constitucionales. Al término de este plazo, las compañías que no hayan firmado contratos no podrán seguir operando en el país.
II. Para garantizar la continuidad de la producción, YPFB, de acuerdo a directivas del Ministerio de Hidrocarburos y Energía, tomará a su cargo la operación de los campos de las compañías que se nieguen a acatar o impidan el cumplimiento de lo dispuesto en el presente Decreto Supremo.
III. YPFB no podrá ejecutar contratos de explotación de hidrocarburos que no hayan sido individualmente autorizados y aprobados por el Poder Legislativo en pleno cumplimiento del mandato del inciso 5 del Artículo 59 de la Constitución Política del Estado,
ARTICULO 4.-
I. Durante el período de transición, para los campos cuya producción certificada promedio de gas natural del año 2005 haya sido superior a los 100 millones de pies cúbicos diarios, el valor de la producción se distribuirá de la siguiente forma: 82% para el Estado (18% de regalías y participaciones, 32% de Impuesto Directo a los Hidrocarburos IDH y 32% a través de una participación adicional para YPFB), y 18% para las compañías (que cubre costos de operación, amortización de inversiones y utilidades).
II. Para los campos cuya producción certificada promedio de gas natural del año 2005 haya sido menor a 100 millones de pies cúbicos diarios, durante el período de transición, se mantendrá la actual distribución del valor de la producción de hidrocarburos.
III. El Ministerio de Hidrocarburos y Energía determinará, caso por caso y mediante auditorias, las inversiones realizadas por las compañías, así como sus amortizaciones, costos de operación y rentabilidad obtenida en cada campo. Los resultados de las auditorias servirán de base a YPFB para determinar la retribución o participación definitiva correspondiente a las compañías en los contratos a ser firmados de acuerdo a lo establecido en el Artículo 3 del presente Decreto Supremo.
ARTICULO 5.-
I. El Estado toma el control y la dirección de la producción, transporte, refinación, almacenaje, distribución, comercialización e industrialización de hidrocarburos en el país.
II. El Ministerio de Hidrocarburos y Energía regulará y normará estas actividades hasta que se aprueben nuevos reglamentos de acuerdo a Ley.
ARTICULO 6.-
I. En aplicación a lo dispuesto por el Artículo 6 de la Ley de Hidrocarburos, se transfieren en propiedad a YPFB, a título gratuito, las acciones de los ciudadanos bolivianos que formaban parte del Fondo de Capitalización Colectiva en las empresas petroleras
capitalizadas Chaco SA., Andina SA. y Transredes SA.
II. Para que esta transferencia no afecte el pago del EONOSOL, el Estado garantiza la reposición de los aportes por dividendos, que estas empresas entregaban anualmente al Fondo de Capitalización Colectiva.
III. Las acciones del Fondo de Capitalización Colectiva que están a nombre de las Administradoras de Fondos de Pensiones en las empresas Chaco SA., Andina SA. y Transredes SA. serán endosadas a nombre de YPFB,
ARTICULO 7.-
I. El Estado, recupera su plena participación en toda la cadena productiva del sector de hidrocarburos.
II. Se nacionalizan las acciones necesarias para que YPFB controle como mínimo el 50% más 1 en las empresas Chaco SA., Andina SA., Transredes SA., Petrobrás Bolivia Refinación SA. y Compañía Logística de Hidrocarburos de Bolivia SA.
III. YPFB nombrará inmediatamente a sus representantes y síndicos en los respectivos directorios y firmará nuevos contratos de sociedad y administración en los que se garantice el control y la dirección estatal de las actividades hidrocarburíferas en el país.
ARTICULO 8.-
En 60 días, a partir de la fecha de promulgación del presente Decreto Supremo y dentro del proceso de refundación de YPEB, se procederá a su reestructuración integral, convirtiéndola en una empresa corporativa, transparente, eficiente y con control social.
ARTICULO 9.-
En todo lo que no sea contrario a lo dispuesto en el presente Decreto Supremo, se seguirán aplicando los reglamentos y normas vigentes a la fecha, hasta que sean modificados de acuerdo a ley.
Los Señores Ministros de Estado, el Presidente de YPFB y las Fuerzas Armadas de la Nación, quedan encargados de la ejecución y cumplimiento del presente Decreto Supremo.
Es dado en el Palacio de Gobierno de la ciudad de La Paz, al primer día del mes de mayo del año dos mil seis.
FDO. EVO MORALES AYMA. David Choquehuanca Céspedes, Juan Ramón Quintana Taborga, Alicia Muñoz Alá, Walker San Miguel Rodríguez, Carlos Villegas Quiroga, Luis Alberto Arce Catacora, Abel Mamani Marca, Celinda Sosa Lunda, Salvador Ric Riera, Hugo Salvatierra Gutiérrez, Andrés Solíz Rada, Walter Villarroel Morochi, Santiago Alex Gálvez Mamani Ministro de Trabajo e Interino de Justicia, Félix Patzi Paco, Nila Heredia Miranda.
Posted by eduardo at 08:55 PM | Comments (3)
Colbert Nation
The one hour timeslot from 11 pm to midnight on Comedy Central is truly the must-see TV of 2006. Jon Stewart’s The Daily Show has been joined by Stephen Colbert’s the Colbert Report, which is satire at its best. Both are obviously anti-administration, so it was surprising to hear that Colbert was slated to be on the lineup for the annual White House Correspondent’s Dinner, which is an event especially for the press corps that covers the White House and includes the sitting President in on the fun. I was bummed to have missed the event shown live on C-Span, but leave it to the internet to have the worthwhile clips to show up the next day.
Already the blogsosphere is buzzing with “Colbert” scoring the top ranked search and the number 5 most-tagged blog entry at Technorati. His half-hour routine, which can be seen here at You Tube, part 1, part 2, part 3 and the transcript shows why it has been a popular topic. Not only does he go straight for the President (while he's sitting two seats down), but also to the press that is often perceived to be too soft on this administration.
Posted by eduardo at 08:14 PM | Comments (1)
Bolivia Nationalizes Hydrocarbons
Coinciding with the May Day holiday, President Evo Morales signed a supreme decree for the nationalization of the country's hydrocarbons. He ordered the Bolivian military to take control of all of the petroleum fields.
Bolivia toma control de hidrocarburos - BBC Mundo
Evo nacionaliza los Hidrocabruros - Erbol
Bolivia orders military to control gas fields- Financial Times
Bolivia nationalizes natural gas industry - USA Today
Posted by eduardo at 03:16 PM | Comments (6)