Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06LAPAZ2372
2006-09-01 19:16:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy La Paz
Cable title:
CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY BRAWL OVER RULES OF DEBATE
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C O N F I D E N T I A L LA PAZ 002372
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/01/2016
TAGS: ECON PGOV PREL BL
SUBJECT: CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY BRAWL OVER RULES OF DEBATE
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 002372
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/01/2016
TAGS: ECON PGOV PREL BL
SUBJECT: CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY BRAWL OVER RULES OF DEBATE
Classified By: Amb. David N. Greenlee for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (SBU) Stalemate over the rules of order for the
Constituent Assembly (CA) escalated into violence late August
31 and continued into the early morning of September 1 in
Sucre. Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) delegates hardened
their position on a simple majority vote (the opposition
supports two-thirds) on constitutional changes, marching
lockstep in support of their position. Because of the
impasse, Vice President Alvaro Garcia Linera went to Sucre.
The vice president's arrival was blocked by local residents
engaged in an unrelated demonstration which initially
prevented his helicopter from landing. As Garcia Linera
approached the Assembly on foot, police restrained protesters
who met him with catcalls. Around the same time, local
residents physically assaulted Assembly representatives
emerging from session. Angry Assembly delegates, claiming
that "anti-indigenous" Sucreno racism was making
deliberations impossible, called for increased security and
demanded that the Assembly be moved to Cochabamba.
2. (SBU) Later in the day, MAS delegates presented their
still-incomplete rules of order to the plenary. These rules
provide for a simple majority vote on all measures. Assembly
President Silvia Lazarte began to read them into the record.
Podemos delegates threw plastic water bottles at the Assembly
directive in an attempt to stop the reading. MAS
representatives then entered into a physical struggle with
opposition representatives. Amidst this confusion, MAS party
leader Ramon Loaiza fell approximately three meters from the
stage into the orchestra pit. Loaiza is in critical
condition in a Sucre hospital, where he reportedly suffers
from a cerebral hemorrhage and respiratory problems. After
his fall, MAS representatives approved their version of the
rules; Podemos, MNR, UN and other opposition parties
abandoned the session around 5 a.m. September 1.
3. (C) Comment: Television images we've seen of last night's
fracas at the CA reveal a brawl more appropriate for a Wild
West saloon than a constitutional convention. While
fisticuffs were apparently exchanged, and one representative
waved around a bloodied elbow, the situation really got out
of hand when Loaiza fell. He may well die. Should he do so,
the MAS will certainly turn him into a martyr. With as yet
no video of Loaiza,s fall released to the public, its
circumstances remain unclear. While last night's violence
represents a new low mark for the Constituent Assembly, it is
unsurprising given the rough and tumble atmosphere which
prevails in Sucre today.
4. (C) Comment continued: The MAS has been upping the
pressure on the CA since its opening days, importing
demonstrators and street protesters to intimidate the
assembly through street pressure, harassing the opposition,
and generally pushing confrontation over compromise. Over
the past 48 hours, the situation in Sucre has degenerated to
the verge of chaos. This unraveling could easily be turned
to the advantage of the MAS, with MAS delegates blaming
anti-MAS actions in the street on anti-indigenous racism, a
neuralgic subject with the indigenous population. In any
event, we can expect further inflammatory rhetoric, more
polarization, and increasing MAS efforts to provoke and
marginalize the opposition. End comment.
GREENLEE
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/01/2016
TAGS: ECON PGOV PREL BL
SUBJECT: CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY BRAWL OVER RULES OF DEBATE
Classified By: Amb. David N. Greenlee for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (SBU) Stalemate over the rules of order for the
Constituent Assembly (CA) escalated into violence late August
31 and continued into the early morning of September 1 in
Sucre. Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) delegates hardened
their position on a simple majority vote (the opposition
supports two-thirds) on constitutional changes, marching
lockstep in support of their position. Because of the
impasse, Vice President Alvaro Garcia Linera went to Sucre.
The vice president's arrival was blocked by local residents
engaged in an unrelated demonstration which initially
prevented his helicopter from landing. As Garcia Linera
approached the Assembly on foot, police restrained protesters
who met him with catcalls. Around the same time, local
residents physically assaulted Assembly representatives
emerging from session. Angry Assembly delegates, claiming
that "anti-indigenous" Sucreno racism was making
deliberations impossible, called for increased security and
demanded that the Assembly be moved to Cochabamba.
2. (SBU) Later in the day, MAS delegates presented their
still-incomplete rules of order to the plenary. These rules
provide for a simple majority vote on all measures. Assembly
President Silvia Lazarte began to read them into the record.
Podemos delegates threw plastic water bottles at the Assembly
directive in an attempt to stop the reading. MAS
representatives then entered into a physical struggle with
opposition representatives. Amidst this confusion, MAS party
leader Ramon Loaiza fell approximately three meters from the
stage into the orchestra pit. Loaiza is in critical
condition in a Sucre hospital, where he reportedly suffers
from a cerebral hemorrhage and respiratory problems. After
his fall, MAS representatives approved their version of the
rules; Podemos, MNR, UN and other opposition parties
abandoned the session around 5 a.m. September 1.
3. (C) Comment: Television images we've seen of last night's
fracas at the CA reveal a brawl more appropriate for a Wild
West saloon than a constitutional convention. While
fisticuffs were apparently exchanged, and one representative
waved around a bloodied elbow, the situation really got out
of hand when Loaiza fell. He may well die. Should he do so,
the MAS will certainly turn him into a martyr. With as yet
no video of Loaiza,s fall released to the public, its
circumstances remain unclear. While last night's violence
represents a new low mark for the Constituent Assembly, it is
unsurprising given the rough and tumble atmosphere which
prevails in Sucre today.
4. (C) Comment continued: The MAS has been upping the
pressure on the CA since its opening days, importing
demonstrators and street protesters to intimidate the
assembly through street pressure, harassing the opposition,
and generally pushing confrontation over compromise. Over
the past 48 hours, the situation in Sucre has degenerated to
the verge of chaos. This unraveling could easily be turned
to the advantage of the MAS, with MAS delegates blaming
anti-MAS actions in the street on anti-indigenous racism, a
neuralgic subject with the indigenous population. In any
event, we can expect further inflammatory rhetoric, more
polarization, and increasing MAS efforts to provoke and
marginalize the opposition. End comment.
GREENLEE