Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06LAPAZ2627
2006-09-28 20:37:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy La Paz
Cable title:  

BOLIVIA - PARAGUAY RELATIONS HIT A BUMP, BOUNCE

Tags:  ECON PGOV PREL BL 
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INFO RUEHAC/AMEMBASSY ASUNCION 6137
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RUEHBR/AMEMBASSY BRASILIA 7312
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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 002627 

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E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/28/2016
TAGS: ECON PGOV PREL BL
SUBJECT: BOLIVIA - PARAGUAY RELATIONS HIT A BUMP, BOUNCE
BACK

REF: ASUNCION 0992

Classified By: CDA Kris R. Urs for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).

C O N F I D E N T I A L LA PAZ 002627

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/28/2016
TAGS: ECON PGOV PREL BL
SUBJECT: BOLIVIA - PARAGUAY RELATIONS HIT A BUMP, BOUNCE
BACK

REF: ASUNCION 0992

Classified By: CDA Kris R. Urs for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (C) Summary: Bolivian Interior Vice Minister Rafael
Puente's September 27 statement calling Paraguayan President
Nicanor Duarte a "cynical liar" caused a diplomatic roil
between Bolivia and Paraguay which ended with an official
apology by the GOB and Puente's dismissal. End summary.


2. (U) On the morning of September 27, Interior Vice
Minister Rafael Puente caused a diplomatic spat between
Bolivia and Paraguay, accusing Paraguay President Nicanor
Duarte of being a "cynical liar" in the asylum case of
Paraguayan nationals Angel Acosta and Blas Franco, who are
wanted for the kidnapping and murder of Paraguayan
ex-President Raul Cubas' daughter Cecilia. VM Puente charged
that Paraguay submitted forged documentation to President
Morales. Paraguayan Foreign Minister Ruben Ramirez
subsequently called for an "immediate correction." In
response, Bolivian Foreign Minister David Choquehuanca sent a
note to the government of Paraguay "officially regretting the
baseless statements of Vice Minister Puente." Defense
Secretary Walker San Miguel, on an official visit to

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Paraguay, was reportedly given instructions to smooth over
the situation. Later that afternoon, VM Puente publicly
refused to retract his previous statements. Interior
Minister Alicia Munoz then announced at 10 p.m. that VM
Puente had been relieved of his position because of his
"personal declarations." Minister Munoz then named Ruben
Gamarra as the new interior vice minister.


3. (C) Paraguayan DCM Maria Graciela Caballero told Poloff
September 28 that the matter had been "overcome" and that
relations between Paraguay and Bolivia were again "calm".
She said Paraguay at one point threatened to withdraw its
ambassador, but now considered the matter closed; she would
go ahead with her planned vacation. Paraguayan Ambassador
Nimia Oviedo told the press that her country was "satisfied
that this situation didn't go any further."


4. (C) Comment: This is the latest in a string of
diplomatic missteps involving Bolivia's neighbors. Paraguay
lost no time in denouncing the VM's accusations, thus forcing
a quick retreat by the GOB and the subsequent dismissal of VM
Puente. Interestingly, VM Puente was often at odds with
Minister Munoz. Puente was one of the more radical
anti-American influences within the GOB and was known to be
working against U.S. interests. We do not yet know much
about his replacement. End Comment.

URS