Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06LAPAZ2698
2006-10-05 21:36:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy La Paz
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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).
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
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