Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06LAPAZ3276
2006-12-04 20:33:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy La Paz
Cable title:  

CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY ON HOLD WHILE NEGOTIATIONS

Tags:  PGOV PREL ECON BL 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0006
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHLP #3276 3382033
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 042033Z DEC 06
FM AMEMBASSY LA PAZ
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1541
INFO RUEHAC/AMEMBASSY ASUNCION 6350
RUEHBO/AMEMBASSY BOGOTA 3674
RUEHBR/AMEMBASSY BRASILIA 7540
RUEHBU/AMEMBASSY BUENOS AIRES 4794
RUEHCV/AMEMBASSY CARACAS 2046
RUEHPE/AMEMBASSY LIMA 2119
RUEHME/AMEMBASSY MEXICO 1942
RUEHMN/AMEMBASSY MONTEVIDEO 4244
RUEHQT/AMEMBASSY QUITO 4683
RUEHSG/AMEMBASSY SANTIAGO 9268
RUEHRI/AMCONSUL RIO DE JANEIRO 0912
RUEHSO/AMCONSUL SAO PAULO 2079
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHINGTON DC

RHMFIUU/HQ USSOUTHCOM MIAMI FL
UNCLAS LA PAZ 003276 

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL ECON BL
SUBJECT: CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY ON HOLD WHILE NEGOTIATIONS
CONTINUE

UNCLAS LA PAZ 003276

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL ECON BL
SUBJECT: CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY ON HOLD WHILE NEGOTIATIONS
CONTINUE


1. (U) President Morales met December 3 with civic committee
representatives from seven of Bolivia's nine departments
regarding the continuing political stalemate over the
Constituent Assembly's (CA) voting mechanism. The opposition
is holding out for a two-thirds vote for each stage of
approval of the new constitution; Morales continues to insist
on a simple majority for preliminary votes with a two-thirds
vote to approve the final draft (and if that fails, a popular
referendum). During the meeting, Morales said he cannot
order Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) delegates to reconsider
a two-thirds vote (saying he could only suggest it),but he
showed good faith (or concern that the ongoing controversy
would spoil the second annual South American Summit later
this week) by suspending the Assembly while negotiations are
ongoing. The opposition has not abandoned its pressure
tactics, including the now-nationwide hunger strike involving
approximately 500 persons.


2. (SBU) Comment: While Morales' claim that he cannot direct
his party to reconsider a two-thirds vote is disingenuous,
the truth is likely that he fears the reaction of social
sector groups, not his own delegates. As both sides harden
their positions, consensus appears increasingly unlikely.
The CA leadership is meeting the afternoon of December 4 to
decide when (and whether) the Assembly will reconvene in the
short term. End comment.
URS