MEDIA REACTION - BOLIVIA

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 001870

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR IIP/G/WHA, INR/R/MR, WHA/BSC, WHA/PDA, INR/IAA

AMEMBASSY FOR PAO/IO

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPRC KMDR KPAO CI BL
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION - BOLIVIA



1. On November 27, conservative, independent "La Tercera" (circ.
101,000) carried an editorial entitled "Bolivia and the Threat of a
Permanent Crisis."


2. The violence in the streets of Sucre these past days is a
reflection of the deep historical divisions in Bolivian society.
Bolivia is not just the poorest country in South America...it is
also the one with the largest number of political breakdowns...The
situation in Bolivia calls for not just a domestic political
commitment, but also for external cooperation...because the tension
in that country...can have repercussions in the region, and
especially in Chile.... Any project having to do with energy and
territorial integration, through the so-called bio-oceanic corridor,
requires Bolivia's participation. But that is not possible if that
country is divided and in a permanent state of conflict....
Consensus is the only way to leave behind the deep social inequities
that have been at the root of Bolivia's conflict-ridden history."

URBAN