Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06LAPAZ913
2006-03-31 17:37:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy La Paz
Cable title:
POLICE AND MILITARY CLEAR RUNWAYS, GUARANTEE
how-toVZCZCXYZ0037 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHLP #0913 0901737 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 311737Z MAR 06 FM AMEMBASSY LA PAZ TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 8696 INFO RUEHAC/AMEMBASSY ASUNCION 5752 RUEHBO/AMEMBASSY BOGOTA 3030 RUEHBR/AMEMBASSY BRASILIA 6902 RUEHBU/AMEMBASSY BUENOS AIRES 4139 RUEHCV/AMEMBASSY CARACAS 1452 RUEHPE/AMEMBASSY LIMA 1396 RUEHME/AMEMBASSY MEXICO 1683 RUEHMN/AMEMBASSY MONTEVIDEO 3706 RUEHQT/AMEMBASSY QUITO 4092 RUEHSG/AMEMBASSY SANTIAGO 8628 RULSDMK/DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION WASHINGTON DC RUEANHA/FAA NATIONAL HQ WASHINGTON DC RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHINGTON DC
UNCLAS LA PAZ 000913
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EB/TRA JHORWITZ AND EB/TRA/OTP BMATTINGLEY
STATE ALSO FOR WHA/AND LPETRONI
STATE PASS TO FAA FOR LHART
STATE PASS TO DOT FOR CCOLDREN
COMMERCE FOR JANGLIN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAIR ECON PGOV BL
SUBJECT: POLICE AND MILITARY CLEAR RUNWAYS, GUARANTEE
FLIGHTS
REF: LA PAZ 902 (AND PREVIOUS)
UNCLAS LA PAZ 000913
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EB/TRA JHORWITZ AND EB/TRA/OTP BMATTINGLEY
STATE ALSO FOR WHA/AND LPETRONI
STATE PASS TO FAA FOR LHART
STATE PASS TO DOT FOR CCOLDREN
COMMERCE FOR JANGLIN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAIR ECON PGOV BL
SUBJECT: POLICE AND MILITARY CLEAR RUNWAYS, GUARANTEE
FLIGHTS
REF: LA PAZ 902 (AND PREVIOUS)
1. (U) Summary: Bolivian police and military cleared airport
runways in La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz late yesterday,
March 30, and ended day-long protests organized by Lloyd Aero
Boliviano employees demanding that the GOB resume the
intervention it suspended March 24 (reftel). The flight
disruptions dealt yet another blow to Lloyd's reputation and
operating capacity, further weakening its chances of
survival. With over 2,000 jobs at stake, company executives
and GOB officials are reluctant to allow Lloyd's total
collapse, but as of now, no clear solution is in sight. End
summary.
2. (U) Bolivian police and military personnel cleared airport
runways in La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz late yesterday,
March 30, and brought an end to day-long protests organized
by Lloyd Aero Boliviano employees demanding that the GOB
resume the intervention it suspended March 24 (reftel).
Authorities removed two planes blocking the principal runway
in Santa Cruz and stationed personnel at airport entrances
and behind ticket counters, guaranteeing staff and passenger
access to boarding gates and allowing American Airlines and
other carriers to prepare for a return to normal operations.
The American Airlines flight scheduled to depart March 30
left today, March 31.
3. (U) The protests reportedly disrupted 20 flights and
delayed 1,500 passengers, dealing yet another blow to Lloyd's
reputation and operating capacity and further weakening its
chances of survival. The superintendent of transportation
had considered revoking Lloyd's operating license, in part
because the carrier owes the superintendent an estimated
$356,000 in unpaid regulatory fees, but ultimately decided to
hold off to avoid added tension. Outside observers have
called for Lloyd's nationalization, but the GOB seems
unwilling to assume responsibility for the airline's
multi-million dollar debts and 2,200 employees. Others have
suggested the GOB put the carrier up for sale, but Lloyd's
deep financial problems make finding buyers unlikely.
4. (SBU) Comment: With over 2,000 jobs at stake, company
executives and GOB officials are reluctant to allow the
airline's definitive collapse, but as of now, no clear
solution is in sight. President Morales has rejected
nationalization, saying it would be tantamount to
"nationalizing corruption," and has said the GOB will not
provide a capital injection. He has offered to mediate
between company workers and executives, but neither side
seems disposed to make concessions. For all concerned, from
GOB officials to Lloyd employees at all levels, the outlook
is grim. End comment.
GREENLEE
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EB/TRA JHORWITZ AND EB/TRA/OTP BMATTINGLEY
STATE ALSO FOR WHA/AND LPETRONI
STATE PASS TO FAA FOR LHART
STATE PASS TO DOT FOR CCOLDREN
COMMERCE FOR JANGLIN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAIR ECON PGOV BL
SUBJECT: POLICE AND MILITARY CLEAR RUNWAYS, GUARANTEE
FLIGHTS
REF: LA PAZ 902 (AND PREVIOUS)
1. (U) Summary: Bolivian police and military cleared airport
runways in La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz late yesterday,
March 30, and ended day-long protests organized by Lloyd Aero
Boliviano employees demanding that the GOB resume the
intervention it suspended March 24 (reftel). The flight
disruptions dealt yet another blow to Lloyd's reputation and
operating capacity, further weakening its chances of
survival. With over 2,000 jobs at stake, company executives
and GOB officials are reluctant to allow Lloyd's total
collapse, but as of now, no clear solution is in sight. End
summary.
2. (U) Bolivian police and military personnel cleared airport
runways in La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz late yesterday,
March 30, and brought an end to day-long protests organized
by Lloyd Aero Boliviano employees demanding that the GOB
resume the intervention it suspended March 24 (reftel).
Authorities removed two planes blocking the principal runway
in Santa Cruz and stationed personnel at airport entrances
and behind ticket counters, guaranteeing staff and passenger
access to boarding gates and allowing American Airlines and
other carriers to prepare for a return to normal operations.
The American Airlines flight scheduled to depart March 30
left today, March 31.
3. (U) The protests reportedly disrupted 20 flights and
delayed 1,500 passengers, dealing yet another blow to Lloyd's
reputation and operating capacity and further weakening its
chances of survival. The superintendent of transportation
had considered revoking Lloyd's operating license, in part
because the carrier owes the superintendent an estimated
$356,000 in unpaid regulatory fees, but ultimately decided to
hold off to avoid added tension. Outside observers have
called for Lloyd's nationalization, but the GOB seems
unwilling to assume responsibility for the airline's
multi-million dollar debts and 2,200 employees. Others have
suggested the GOB put the carrier up for sale, but Lloyd's
deep financial problems make finding buyers unlikely.
4. (SBU) Comment: With over 2,000 jobs at stake, company
executives and GOB officials are reluctant to allow the
airline's definitive collapse, but as of now, no clear
solution is in sight. President Morales has rejected
nationalization, saying it would be tantamount to
"nationalizing corruption," and has said the GOB will not
provide a capital injection. He has offered to mediate
between company workers and executives, but neither side
seems disposed to make concessions. For all concerned, from
GOB officials to Lloyd employees at all levels, the outlook
is grim. End comment.
GREENLEE