DEADLY MINER CLASH IN ORURO

C O N F I D E N T I A L LA PAZ 002698 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/05/2016 TAGS: ECON PGOV PREL BL SUBJECT: DEADLY MINER CLASH IN ORURO Classified By: Amb. Philip S. Goldberg for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (U) On October 5, armed clashes broke out in the mining town of Huanuni, in the Department of Oruro; they are continuing now. Firefights erupted after independent miners overran the state owned Posokoni mine, demanding jobs that they alleged had been promised to them. The independent miners are fighting with miners from the state-owned company "COMIBOL". There are reports of eight dead and between 25 and 60 wounded, including policemen. Both groups of miners are reported to be using dynamite and firearms. The town church, hospital, and radio station have all reportedly sustained damage. ¶2. (U) President Morales postponed Ambassador Goldberg's accreditation ceremony, scheduled for October 5, reportedly in order to deal with the developing crisis. The government has dispatched a commission composed of the minister of government, minister of defense, and the national ombudsman to mediate the conflict. Both groups have threatened not to permit the commission into Huanuni. Both sides have also accused Walter Villarroel, Minister of Mining, of causing the crisis and of gross negligence. The independent miners are calling for reinforcements from Potosi and are threatening a nationwide strike if the situation is not immediately resolved. ¶3. (C) COMMENT: The timing of this violent and tragic crisis, on the heels of the September 29 cocalero ambush of government forces in Carrasco National Park, falls at a difficult time for President Morales, who is already struggling to assert control of the Constituent Assembly. Civilian deaths, especially those resulting from clashes with security forces, precipitated the fall of the Sanchez de Lozada and Mesa governments. We judge it likely that Mining Minister Walter Villareal will be the first political victim, as he is being blamed by all sides for his mismanagement of the situation to date. Ambassador Goldberg,s credentialing ceremony has been tentatively rescheduled for Tuesday, October 10. END COMMENT. GOLDBERG