MEDIA REACTION ON THE OAS AND BOLIVIA, JUNE 13,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 TEGUCIGALPA 001274

SIPDIS

FOR IIP/G/WHA AND IIP/T/ES,
FOR WHA/PDA, WHA/USOAS, AND WHA/CEN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OIIP PREL KPAO PGOV KDEM HO
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION ON THE OAS AND BOLIVIA, JUNE 13,
2005



1. On 6/11, the Tegucigalpa-based moderate paper "El
Heraldo" published an editorial entitled "Bolivia: Limits to
Patience." "The fact that Bolivia will have its 3rd
president in 3 years, without breaking constitutional order,
demonstrates the crisis created by a political and economic
model that has not recognized the interests of the
majority."

"The leader of the Supreme Court of Justice, Eduardo
Rodriguez, became president on Tuesday after street
protesters forced the presidents of the bicameral congress
to resign their aspirations because both were viewed as
options that continued the old order that catered to the
traditional power centers supported by the U.S. Embassy in
La Paz. In other words, Bolivians are dictating the course
of the country from the streets and neighborhoods."

"The change of president doesn't signify an end to the
conflict, but it is the beginning of a transitional period
necessary for creating the conditions within the democratic
system for Bolivians to elect a president and for congress
to address the interests of the majority."

"These examples of popular rebellion should convince the
governing class of these poor countries that they should
think about and act more for the benefit of the more
vulnerable and disenfranchised members of their respective
societies. In fact, the most stoic populations can grow
tired of unkept promises, politicking, and demagoguery."


2. The San Pedro Sula-based liberal daily "Tiempo" carried
an editorial entitled "Bolivian Crisis." "In the
neverending chain of `constitutional coups d'etat' in
Bolivia, the national congress accepted the resignation of
Carlos Mesa and was replaced by Eduardo Rodriguez, president
of the Supreme Court of Justice."

"In the constitutional order of succession it was
congressman Hernando Vaca Diez' turn followed by Mario
Cossio's but they resigned their turns because they were
rejected by the natives, whose primary leader is Evo
Morales."

"The political system is incapable of resolving these
problems and creating a lasting social-political pact, the
constant demands are: a) agricultural reform; b) gas
nationalization; c) state protection of cocaine crops as a
food diet and ancient commerce."

"In such circumstances the new president steps into scene to
prepare the anticipated general elections. Even though some
prefer a constitutional assembly election which will finally
restructure the State and will also obligate an elaboration
and approval of another Constitution."

"As you can see, this outlook is very different to
theaccustomed process of social-political change in Latin
America and Central America. It would be interesting to
watch the OAS actions contribute to an intelligent and
realistic solution to the Bolivian crisis."


3. On 06/13, the Tegucigalpa-based liberal daily "La
Tribuna" published an editorial entitled, "Vaca Diez." "Evo
Morales, coca leader and his majesty in the riot, are the
owners of Bolivia's situation. A few weeks of long lasting
resistance, angry multitudes with flags of gas
nationalization, was enough for Sanchez de Lozada to fall
and run away to the U.S."

"The demonstrations have shaken off the second president
because he was an ally to the transnationals, American
embassy, invaders and oligarchy. Despite that he was famous
for being an intellectual and he is not an ally."

"The OAS is doing very well, reunited in its annual assembly
while all this was happening, deliberated on its new role
towards ungovernability problems in Latin America. The OAS
limited itself to express its concerns on Bolivia's chaotic
situation. The new Secretary General tried better for luck
in Nicaragua in mediating between the opposition and the
government."

"Here in Honduras we are far from Bolivia's situation but
analyse say that we are on a `risky edge' and one of these
days it is only matter of having someone with the capability
to maintain a long lasting demonstration. It's possible that
Carlos H. Reyes or the western origin Zuniga that will fire
up passion and give the country a big scare by only igniting
the fire and raising up a national issue flag."

Tuebner