Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06LAPAZ2167
2006-08-11 20:59:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy La Paz
how-toVZCZCXYZ0000 PP RUEHWEB DE RUEHLP #2167 2232059 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 112059Z AUG 06 FM AMEMBASSY LA PAZ TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0210 INFO RUEHAC/AMEMBASSY ASUNCION 6044 RUEHBO/AMEMBASSY BOGOTA 3361 RUEHBR/AMEMBASSY BRASILIA 7211 RUEHBU/AMEMBASSY BUENOS AIRES 4476 RUEHCV/AMEMBASSY CARACAS 1749 RUEHPE/AMEMBASSY LIMA 1768 RUEHMN/AMEMBASSY MONTEVIDEO 3961 RUEHQT/AMEMBASSY QUITO 4380 RUEHSG/AMEMBASSY SANTIAGO 8947 RHEHNSC/NSC WASHINGTON DC RHEBAAA/DEPT OF ENERGY WASHINGTON DC RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHINGTON DC RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC
UNCLAS LA PAZ 002167
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR WHA/AND
TREASURY FOR SGOOCH
ENERGY FOR CDAY AND SLADISLAW
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC ELAB PGOV BL
SUBJECT: POLICE THREATEN HUNGER STRIKE
UNCLAS LA PAZ 002167
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR WHA/AND
TREASURY FOR SGOOCH
ENERGY FOR CDAY AND SLADISLAW
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC ELAB PGOV BL
SUBJECT: POLICE THREATEN HUNGER STRIKE
1. (SBU) The National Association of Police, a union of
lower-level officials in the national police force, declared
a state of emergency on August 10, threatening a mass hunger
strike if the GOB did not agree to increase police salaries.
No violence has occurred. During the first week of August,
the GOB granted the Bolivian military an 8 percent pay raise,
while offering the police force only 3 percent, according to
police contacts. Police unions from six departments --
Cochabamba, Santa Cruz, Tarija, Chuquisaca, Potosi, and La
Paz -- are meeting currently (afternoon of August 11) with
the Commander in Chief of the police force, who is
representing "the GOB side", to seek agreement.
2. (SBU) The police have already implemented hunger strikes
in La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz. If agreement cannot
be reached, the police are threatening a country-wide hunger
strike. Police contacts told post that they do not
anticipate any blockades or violent actions. The Minister of
Government warned that police who violate the law or protest
will be subject to the National Police Law and its
regulations. She added that the government would not
negotiate with the police under pressure, while Vice
President Garcia Linera reportedly stated that a further pay
raise would not be possible this year.
3. (SBU) Comment: Police strikes in the past have led to
considerable civil upheaval in Bolivia. While this situation
currently remains in its initial phases, it has the
possibility to escalate. We will continue to monitor this
situation closely. End comment.
GREENLEE
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR WHA/AND
TREASURY FOR SGOOCH
ENERGY FOR CDAY AND SLADISLAW
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC ELAB PGOV BL
SUBJECT: POLICE THREATEN HUNGER STRIKE
1. (SBU) The National Association of Police, a union of
lower-level officials in the national police force, declared
a state of emergency on August 10, threatening a mass hunger
strike if the GOB did not agree to increase police salaries.
No violence has occurred. During the first week of August,
the GOB granted the Bolivian military an 8 percent pay raise,
while offering the police force only 3 percent, according to
police contacts. Police unions from six departments --
Cochabamba, Santa Cruz, Tarija, Chuquisaca, Potosi, and La
Paz -- are meeting currently (afternoon of August 11) with
the Commander in Chief of the police force, who is
representing "the GOB side", to seek agreement.
2. (SBU) The police have already implemented hunger strikes
in La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz. If agreement cannot
be reached, the police are threatening a country-wide hunger
strike. Police contacts told post that they do not
anticipate any blockades or violent actions. The Minister of
Government warned that police who violate the law or protest
will be subject to the National Police Law and its
regulations. She added that the government would not
negotiate with the police under pressure, while Vice
President Garcia Linera reportedly stated that a further pay
raise would not be possible this year.
3. (SBU) Comment: Police strikes in the past have led to
considerable civil upheaval in Bolivia. While this situation
currently remains in its initial phases, it has the
possibility to escalate. We will continue to monitor this
situation closely. End comment.
GREENLEE