News

Bolivian Unity Tested

NU Online  ·  Sabtu, 16 Desember 2006 | 02:30 WIB

La Paz, NU Online
Bolivia is facing separatist threats by civic and departmental leaders of four regions, who convened a meeting of the council for Friday, ignoring the government s calls to dialogue.

In contrast, members of social, farmer, and native movements have been meeting since Thursday to reject those sectors and their demanded two-thirds vote approval for the Constituent Assembly.

<>The central government, who is the middle of these two clearly defined forces, called upon autonomists of the Santa Cruz, Pando, Beni, Tarija departments to hold discussions, and abstain from violence.

Presidential spokesman Alex Contreras questioned the legitimacy of the separatists meetings today, calling them unpopular and coercive.

Such forums have been always characterized by their open nature and convened by social movements, which hold public debates to find solutions to problems, he recalled.

Contreras also urged the nationalists not to create the announced autonomous boards before negotiating with the government, recalling such meetings are not included in the Constitution.

Regarding that, the spokesman warned, the Bolivian government will not accept unlawful attitudes. (pl/dar)