OAS calls Americas to support Bolivian integrity but fails to condemn Referendum (Updated IV)

Caracas, Venezuela, 2 May 2008. After meeting during two days (2-3 May), the 34 member Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) at Washington, its Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza called regional governments to support the territorial integrity of Bolivia. This is the second OAS meeting in less that a week to discuss the Bolivian crisis and hear the findings of a mediation made by the Secretary of Political Affairs, Dante Caputo.

This time OAS member heard first hand from Bolivian Foreign Minister, David Choquehuanca that separatists were reluctant to initiate a dialogue with the Evo Morales government prior to the planned referendum on Sunday 4 May 2008.  On the other hand, OAS political representative Dante Caputo also offered a dim report on his recent visit to Bolivia; Caputo said the main problem in Bolivian was humanitarian.  During his visit to Santa Cruz, separatists only offered to keep civil order. Then OAS Secretary Isulza warned over the violent outcome of the referendum. Violence could last for a long time and divide Bolivia, Insulza added. After discussing the wording of a resolution until early this morning, OAS set his position again. It appeal to all members of the political forces to engage in a constructive dialogue respecting the democratic order and institutions; OAS promise to continue to use its good offices in the resolution of the crisis without disrespecting the non intervention principle.  According to Bolivian newspaper Correo del Sur -reflecting views of one of Bolivian media sector- an OAS resolution rejecting the Referendum was expected but not agreed or issued. Such outcome has been interpreted by the separatist opposition as a diplomatic failure of the Evo Morales government. However, Venezuelan government expressed its agreement with the resolution wording. Furthermore, in an telephone interview with official VTV, Venezuelan representative at OAS Jorge Valero explained the US tried to stop the resolution; then the US representatives at OAS failed to water down the wording of the approved resolution.   On the other hand, the Bolivian diplomatic representative at Caracas Jorge Alvarado gave a different interpretation on the resolution during a Telesur interview. Alvarado stated the OAS should assume a clearer stand on Bolivia. This interview could not be seen in the Telesur website after President Evo Morales stated another position.

Some Latin American and European MPs backed Bolivian Presidetn Evo Morales.This is another proof of the growing support for Boliva.  Some fear the separatist Referendum and its possible violent outcome could turn an undesirable precedent for other opposition movements in the region. Venezuela in particular has already expressed its fears over the separatist drive in the oil rich region of Zulia State.   

Background from previous story at NP: A not very publicised autonomy charter would be voted in a Referendum proposed by separatist in Santa Cruz on Sunday 4 May 2008. The Evo Morales Government has not recognized the Santa Cruz Referendum as legitimate or legal. This Referendum call is a response to a new socialist constitution referendum approved at La Paz by the Evo Morales government without the backing of a reluctant Bolivian opposition. The constitution gives more power and benefits to the indigenous communities of Bolivia. Eastern provinces of Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, Beni and Tarija are now asking for an autonomous status and independence from central government. However, these Provinces also contribute to a large amount of the PTB and have major reserves of oil and gas. The governments of Bolivian Evo Morales and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez have suggested that the Bush administration is meddling in the separatist crisis.

PS: According to Bolivian newspaper El Mundo on Saturday 3 May 2008, President Evo Morales suggested a referendum as a way out of the current crisis.  Morales also said a revision of the drafted constitution opposed by separatist was possible. the Santa Cruz prefect rejected rumors of a planned coup by separatists. Later today President Morales stated that the only possible way to the regional autonomy would be withing the frame of the newly drafted constitutiona.  

Sources: ABI, Globovision, YVKE, Unionradio, El Universal, OAS, Yahoo News, Telesur, VTV,BBC Mundo, AlJazeera, Prefectura de Santa Cruz, Bolivian Presidency, El Mundo, Correo del Sur, eldeber, El Diario, Los Tiempos, La Razon, FIDES, OAS Resolution on Bolivia.

Related story: Bolivia takes over four oil companies and one communication enterprise (updated)OAS envoy arrives at Bolivia to mediate in separatist crisis (updated), OAS warns Bolivian separatists (updated III), ALBA summit condemns separatist forces in Bolivia (updated III),