ENGAGING THE REGION ON BOLIVIA (PERU)

C O N F I D E N T I A L LIMA 005251 SIPDIS FOR WHA/AND E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/12/2015 TAGS: PGOV PREL PE SUBJECT: ENGAGING THE REGION ON BOLIVIA (PERU) REF: SECSTATE 221306 Classified By: Political Counselor Alexander Margulies. Reason: 1.4(b/ d). ¶1. (C) Polcouns raised the USG's concerns regarding events in Bolivia (Reftel) and inquired how Peru viewed its options with respect to these developments during a 12/7 meeting with the Foreign Ministry's Director of Security and Defense Affairs, Daul Matute, Director of North American Affairs, Nestor Popolizio, and Director of Anti-Narcotics Affairs, Dora Salazar. Matute responded for the three, stating that in the event the expected victory by Evo Morales comes to pass, then Peru and other regional countries will send high-level officials to meet with Morales to encourage him to act responsibly once he takes office. These high-level delegations, Matute, continued. would explain to Morales that international commitments and political-economic realities circumscribe the policies that any national leader can follow. When asked whether Peru was taking steps to prepare for possible electoral disturbances in Bolivia that could have an impact on Peruvian departments on the frontier, Matute indicated that no/no preparations were being considered. ¶2. (C) COMMENT: Peru's strategy for electoral developments in Bolivia appears to be one of hope for the best and don't prepare for the worst. Foreign Minister Oscar Maurtua is in Washington through December 14, will be meeting with the Secretary, SECDEF and WHA A/S Shannon on December 12, and may SIPDIS shed more light on the GOP's views on this issue. END COMMENT. POWERS