Bolivian Cochamamba expels USAID

Caracas, Venezuela, 26 June 2008. After various protests, local pro government and coca grower movements -Mancomunidad del Trópico- managed to expel  the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) from Chapare, Cochabamba. According to local newspaper La Razón, USAID staff was under threats. American Embassy had voiced concern over the security of USAID staff in Cochabamba and La Paz.

Yesterday, USAID staff left Cochamamba and closed its office. It is unclear whether its projects in the region would be managed from Bolivian Capital city or else. USAID promoted project by rightist NGOs Acdi voca and Arcos.

Pro government groups claim USAIDS devoted its energies to oppose the current administration of President Evo Morales. US Embassy at La Paz was recently under heavy criticism after Bush administration granted political asylum to a Bolivian ex Defence Minister -Carlos Sanchez Berzain- accused of Human Rights violations.

In response to the expulsion by coca growers associations, Evo Morales´officials stated such departure was not an official request. It also said it would continue to accept financial and technical assistance for development if conducted under the current national plan. However, Evo Morales government informed it would not sign any other cooperation agreement with USAID. According to local newspaper Los Tiempos, Current project at Cochabamba would be executed to meet agreed terms. 

USAID was created in 1961 as the outcome of a restructuring policy of Marshall Plan instiitutions. It is an independent federal agency which receives financial assistance and policy directions from the US State Department. It is devoted to the advancement of development, democracy and health worldwide.  

 Sources: ABI, La Razon, VTV, El Deber, USAID, Los Tiempos,

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