South America. Travel. Investments. Real Estate. News.
index-January-2007-2.html English News Blog for  Bolivia English English News Blog January Archive 

Cochabamba protesters set up alternative government

By Shannon at 01/30/07 02:42

Bolivia's central government says it will not recognize new Cochabamba region government. President Morales stated that the decision to form that government was illegal, although he has called for reforms that would allow people to force resignation from officials involved in corruption. The focus is currently on Cochabamba, but the entire region is uneasy and protests could easily spread.

Original source: BBC News. Tensions mount in Bolivian region

Morales remains determined to launch democratic revolution

After 6 months of sessions, the assembly charged with redrawing Bolivia's political blueprint has not debated a single proposal. The people are growing impatient and protests have taken to the streets. Meanwhile, the rifts left unaddressed by the assembly have worsened.

Original source: Washington Post. Bolivia's Political Fissures Force Morales to Shift Course

Morales vows further measures to alleviate poverty

President Morales says he wants to continue reforms including nationalization of industry and redistribution of land to poorer peasants in the hope of radical change to reduce poverty

Original source: BBC News. Bolivia leader vows more reform

Cochabamba protesters vow to keep up protests

Despite the deaths, growers in Cochabamba vowed to keep protesting against provincial governor Manfred Reyes Villa. Villa wants more autonomy, and said he would not resign. He is under a cloud of suspicion for human rights violations and corruption.

Original source: Reuters. [404 Check: was link to http:/ / news. yahoo. com/ s/ nm/ 20070113/ wl_ nm/ bolivia_ governor_ dc_ 5;_ ylt=Ahe2. ZD_ xtN3_ fLmBsOewvfa7KcB;_ ylu=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCUl, anchor: Morales allies vow to step up protests in Bolivia]

Plan to nationalize mining will move ahead

President Evo Morales announced at the Mercosur summit that he plans to go ahead with the nationalization if the mining industry. He said it would not be a full nationalization, but will i nvlove some "deep reforms.

Original source: Reuters. [404 Check: was link to http:/ / news. yahoo. com/ s/ nm/ 20070119/ wl_ nm/ bolivia_ mining_ nationalization_ dc_ 1;_ ylt=ApxyJMKoiBF0hbA0lK8mcO_ a7KcB;_ ylu=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCUl, anchor: Morales says Bolivia to nationalize mining sector]

Protesters block main roads to Paraguay and Argentina

Protesters who want more state control and increased nationalisation. They object to the renegotiation and they say that until YPFB, the state oil firm, is restructured, they will not give up their protest. The blockade near Camiri could disrupt fuel deliveries to Santa Cruz.

Original source: BBC News. Bolivia route blockaded over oil

Cochabamba people elect new Revolutionary Departmental Governme

Two weeks of protests and calls for Prefect Manfred Reyes Villa's resignation culminated in an assembly to elect a new regional government. Within hours severe opposition from Morales' govt called it's viability into question. Although there is relative calm right now, there is a power vacuum in Cochabamba and the Revolutionary Departmental Government has been unable to assume control.

Original source: China Worker. [404 Check: was link to http:/ / www. chinaworker. org/ cgi -bin/ index. cgi?action=viewnews&id=243, anchor: Bolivia: masses demand Prefect’s resignation]

Border de-mining, yes... ocean acces, no

During her visit to La Paz last week, Chilean Defense Minister Vivianne Blanlot madae it clear that while extensive joint military cooperation and border de-mining would be approved, Ceding sovereignity of Chilean territory to proveide ocean access would not. Blanlot states that public sentiment is overwhelmingly against it, so she will not recommend it.

Original source: Santiago Times. CHILE AND BOLIVIA MAKE PROGRESS ON DE-MINING BORDER, BUT NOT ON OCEAN ACCESS

The president of Bolivia's state oil company resigns

Juan Carlos Ortiz played a key role in renegotiating contracts with foreign energy companies since he took over in August. But he cites disagreements with other voices in the government as part of his decision.

Original source: Intl. Herald Tribune. Bolivia state oil company president announces resignation