Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06LAPAZ587
2006-03-06 19:41:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy La Paz
Cable title:  

DISSENT IN EVO'S RANKS

Tags:  ECON PGOV PREL SNAR SOCI BL 
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PP RUEHLMC
DE RUEHLP #0587 0651941
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 061941Z MAR 06
FM AMEMBASSY LA PAZ
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8315
INFO RUEHAC/AMEMBASSY ASUNCION 5645
RUEHBO/AMEMBASSY BOGOTA 2912
RUEHBR/AMEMBASSY BRASILIA 6783
RUEHBU/AMEMBASSY BUENOS AIRES 4016
RUEHCV/AMEMBASSY CARACAS 1350
RUEHPE/AMEMBASSY LIMA 1255
RUEHMN/AMEMBASSY MONTEVIDEO 3598
RUEHQT/AMEMBASSY QUITO 3985
RUEHSG/AMEMBASSY SANTIAGO 8506
RHMFISS/HQ USSOUTHCOM MIAMI FL
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 000587 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/03/2016
TAGS: ECON PGOV PREL SNAR SOCI BL
SUBJECT: DISSENT IN EVO'S RANKS


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 000587

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/03/2016
TAGS: ECON PGOV PREL SNAR SOCI BL
SUBJECT: DISSENT IN EVO'S RANKS


Classified By: Amb. David N. Greenlee for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (C) Giovanny Hervas, a social sector leader from the
altiplano, told poloff on March 2 that there is a growing
discontent among his peers with the Morales government.
Hervas, who is associated with the Fejuve of El Alto (and
will soon run for the presidency of that organization),the
Yungas cocaleros and the Rural Workers Federation, said he
wants to work with the Embassy on issues of common interest
against the MAS government.


2. (C) Hervas stated unequivocally that his organizations
"aren't behind Morales." He criticized Morales' proposal to
depenalize coca beyond the current legal limits, stating that
such an effort will increase competition for the traditional
coca growers in the Yungas and bring down the price of the
leaf. Hervas spoke with disdain about the MAS proposal for
the Constituent Assembly (CA) because it fails to represent
the indigenous or social sectors. He had similar criticisms
of MAS threats to mobilize protests if Congress doesn't pass
the CA enabling legislation, saying that "we don't want
blockades." Hervas also expressed concern about Morales'
cabinet, saying that they lack experience and vision.


3. (C) Comment: Hervas is associated with traditionally
confrontational organizations from the altiplano which
typically support President Morales. It is no small thing
that his organizations are now beginning to express dissent.
These concerns are being echoed in varying degrees by a
number of social sector and indigenous contacts. Morales'
ability to manage the reactions of these groups- his supposed
allies- will be key to the medium-to-long-term success of his
government. Regardless of our policy direction in Bolivia,
working more closely with these social sector representatives
on a wide range of issues seems most beneficial to USG
interests. End comment.
GREENLEE