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

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shed more light on the GOP's views on this issue. END
COMMENT.
POWERS