Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06LAPAZ1859
2006-07-07 20:09:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy La Paz
Cable title:  

SANTA CRUZ LABOR DISPUTE PROMPTS GOB INTERVENTION

Tags:  ELAB PREL PGOV SOCI BL 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0000
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHLP #1859 1882009
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 072009Z JUL 06
FM AMEMBASSY LA PAZ
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 9876
INFO RUEHAC/AMEMBASSY ASUNCION 5986
RUEHBO/AMEMBASSY BOGOTA 3304
RUEHBR/AMEMBASSY BRASILIA 7153
RUEHBU/AMEMBASSY BUENOS AIRES 4410
RUEHCV/AMEMBASSY CARACAS 1693
RUEHPE/AMEMBASSY LIMA 1699
RUEHME/AMEMBASSY MEXICO 1748
RUEHMN/AMEMBASSY MONTEVIDEO 3907
RUEHQT/AMEMBASSY QUITO 4324
RUEHSG/AMEMBASSY SANTIAGO 8881
RUEHC/DEPT OF LABOR WASHINGTON DC
RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHINGTON DC
RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHINGTON DC
UNCLAS LA PAZ 001859 

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

STATE FOR WHA/AND LPETRONI
COMMERCE FOR JANGLIN
TREASURY FOR SGOOCH

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ELAB PREL PGOV SOCI BL
SUBJECT: SANTA CRUZ LABOR DISPUTE PROMPTS GOB INTERVENTION

REF: LA PAZ 1808

UNCLAS LA PAZ 001859

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

STATE FOR WHA/AND LPETRONI
COMMERCE FOR JANGLIN
TREASURY FOR SGOOCH

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ELAB PREL PGOV SOCI BL
SUBJECT: SANTA CRUZ LABOR DISPUTE PROMPTS GOB INTERVENTION

REF: LA PAZ 1808


1. (SBU) Summary: July 3 clashes between feuding branches of
Santa Cruz' Departmental Labor Confederation prompted the GOB
to dismiss the department's police chief and install military
guards at key administrative buildings. Minister of
Government Alicia Munoz accused the police chief of
negligence and called labor groups "fascists," saying the GOB
detected "destabilizing" interests in their actions. Santa
Cruz leaders decried the GOB's actions and said patience was
wearing thin, warning that they "would not permit more abuse
from the racists in government." The GOB later withdrew the
military guards, possibly in an effort to defuse the
confrontation and avoid further inflaming public sentiment.
The conflict suggests increasing tensions between the GOB and
Santa Cruz-based opposition. End summary.


2. (U) On July 3, a dispute between factions of Santa Cruz'
Departmental Labor Confederation (COD) erupted in violence
when followers of Edwin Fernandez, a leader who enjoys
support from Santa Cruz business organizations, took control
of COD offices to wrest control from Movement Toward
Socialism (MAS)-affiliated Lucio Vedia. The latter attempted
to regain control, but members of the Santa Cruz Civic
Committee's youth organization intervened. Ensuing clashes
reportedly left 20 to 30 people (including women and elderly
bystanders) injured.


3. (U) In response, the GOB dismissed Department Police Chief
Wilfred Torrico, citing his failure to prevent conflict, and
installed military guards at key administrative buildings
(including tax and customs offices) and at Santa Cruz' train
and bus station. Minister of Government Alicia Munoz accused
the police chief of negligence and called labor groups and
youth leaders "fascists," saying the GOB detected
"destabilizing" interests in their actions. GOB officials
later claimed they installed the military guards because they
had information indicating several unnamed groups planned to
attack administrative buildings. The GOB withdrew the troops
July 6, possibly in an effort to defuse the confrontation and
avoid further inflaming public sentiment.


4. (U) Santa Cruz leaders decried the GOB's actions. Santa
Cruz Prefect Ruben Costas objected to the GOB's interference
in regional affairs and accused the GOB of hardening its
positions after citizens voted for greater autonomy July 2
(reftel). Pro-Santa Cruz Committee President German Antelo
declared that patience was wearing thin, warning that
department leaders "would not permit more abuse from the
racists in government" and urging the GOB to leave aside its
"dictatorial and unconstitutional attitudes."


5. (SBU) Comment: The conflict and accompanying rhetoric
suggest increasing tensions between the GOB and Santa
Cruz-based opposition. Many observers believe the GOB used
the clash as an excuse to replace opposition leaders with
pro-MAS individuals, and some fear this could be part of a
broader GOB campaign to assume control of key groups, cement
its authority, and stifle dissent. End comment.
GREENLEE