Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06LAPAZ1662
2006-06-20 19:16:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy La Paz
Cable title:  

TARIJA PREFECT ON UPCOMING ELECTIONS

Tags:  ECON PGOV PREL BL 
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P 201916Z JUN 06
FM AMEMBASSY LA PAZ
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 9647
INFO RUEHAC/AMEMBASSY ASUNCION 5938
RUEHBO/AMEMBASSY BOGOTA 3255
RUEHBR/AMEMBASSY BRASILIA 7102
RUEHBU/AMEMBASSY BUENOS AIRES 4355
RUEHCV/AMEMBASSY CARACAS 1646
RUEHPE/AMEMBASSY LIMA 1640
RUEHMN/AMEMBASSY MONTEVIDEO 3861
RUEHQT/AMEMBASSY QUITO 4280
RUEHSG/AMEMBASSY SANTIAGO 8828
RHMFISS/HQ USSOUTHCOM MIAMI FL
RUMIAAA/USCINCSO MIAMI FL
RUEHLMC/MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE CORP
RHEBAAA/DEPT OF ENERGY WASHINGTON DC
RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHINGTON DC
C O N F I D E N T I A L LA PAZ 001662 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR WHA/AND L.PETRONI

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/21/2016
TAGS: ECON PGOV PREL BL
SUBJECT: TARIJA PREFECT ON UPCOMING ELECTIONS

REF: LA PAZ 1629

Classified By: Amb. David N. Greenlee for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).

C O N F I D E N T I A L LA PAZ 001662

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR WHA/AND L.PETRONI

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/21/2016
TAGS: ECON PGOV PREL BL
SUBJECT: TARIJA PREFECT ON UPCOMING ELECTIONS

REF: LA PAZ 1629

Classified By: Amb. David N. Greenlee for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (C) Tarija Prefect Mario Cossio told the Ambassador June
19 that like the Embassy's relationship with the GOB, his
relationship with the Morales administration is complicated
by instability, largely due to the GOB's unclear policies and
erratic public attacks for political gain. Cossio said he
had hoped for an institutional relationship with the GOB but
remarked that such a relationship had not materialized.


2. (C) With respect to the July 2 referendum on regional
autonomy, Cossio said Tarija favors autonomy and he expects
at least four other departments (Santa Cruz, Beni, Pando and
Cochabamba) to support the referendum. He called autonomy
"vital" to the development of Bolivian democracy. Regarding
the Constituent Assembly election on the same date, Cossio
worried that if the Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) party
performs according to its own expectations, it will
consolidate control over all democratic institutions,
including Bolivia's nine prefects, by calling new national
elections. He said the MAS is disappointed with its regional
power and will look to win at least six prefects in new
elections. Cossio noted that the MAS is campaigning hard in
Tarija, sending many MAS activists there to win votes.
Cossio also said he believes Bolivians are not interested in
the elections and do not realize their significance (implying
that elections are the last chance to stop the MAS). He was
concerned about fragmentation of the opposition vote and said
it would be critical for the opposition to form a solid block
in the Assembly.


3. (C) Cossio discounted rumors that Tarija will join other
departments to save Lloyd Aereo Boliviano, Bolivia's national
airline, from collapse (see reftel). He called such a
venture "risky" given Lloyd's history of financial
difficulties. Cossio said Tarija's real interest is in
obtaining increased air transport links, both nationally and
internationally.


4. (C) Comment: The MAS continues to view Cossio and his
hydrocarbons-rich department as a threat to its power, and
Cossio has been a strong counterbalance to the Morales
administration. Cossio's concerns regarding the MAS's
intentions may be well-founded, but MAS control of the
Constituent Assembly is not a foregone conclusion. End
comment.
GREENLEE