US embassy cable - 05TEGUCIGALPA1274

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 TEGUCIGALPA 001274 
 
SIPDIS 
 
FOR IIP/G/WHA AND IIP/T/ES, 
FOR WHA/PDA, WHA/USOAS, AND WHA/CEN 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OIIP, PREL, KPAO, PGOV, KDEM, HO 
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION ON THE OAS AND BOLIVIA, JUNE 13, 
2005 
 
 
1. On 6/11, the Tegucigalpa-based moderate paper "El 
Heraldo" published an editorial entitled "Bolivia: Limits to 
Patience." "The fact that Bolivia will have its 3rd 
president in 3 years, without breaking constitutional order, 
demonstrates the crisis created by a political and economic 
model that has not recognized the interests of the 
majority." 
 
"The leader of the Supreme Court of Justice, Eduardo 
Rodriguez, became president on Tuesday after street 
protesters forced the presidents of the bicameral congress 
to resign their aspirations because both were viewed as 
options that continued the old order that catered to the 
traditional power centers supported by the U.S. Embassy in 
La Paz. In other words, Bolivians are dictating the course 
of the country from the streets and neighborhoods." 
 
"The change of president doesn't signify an end to the 
conflict, but it is the beginning of a transitional period 
necessary for creating the conditions within the democratic 
system for Bolivians to elect a president and for congress 
to address the interests of the majority." 
 
"These examples of popular rebellion should convince the 
governing class of these poor countries that they should 
think about and act more for the benefit of the more 
vulnerable and disenfranchised members of their respective 
societies.  In fact, the most stoic populations can grow 
tired of unkept promises, politicking, and demagoguery." 
 
2.  The San Pedro Sula-based liberal daily "Tiempo" carried 
an editorial entitled "Bolivian Crisis."  "In the 
neverending chain of `constitutional coups d'etat' in 
Bolivia, the national congress accepted the resignation of 
Carlos Mesa and was replaced by Eduardo Rodriguez, president 
of the Supreme Court of Justice." 
 
"In the constitutional order of succession it was 
congressman Hernando Vaca Diez' turn followed by Mario 
Cossio's but they resigned their turns because they were 
rejected by the natives, whose primary leader is Evo 
Morales." 
 
"The political system is incapable of resolving these 
problems and creating a lasting social-political pact, the 
constant demands are: a) agricultural reform; b) gas 
nationalization; c) state protection of cocaine crops as a 
food diet and ancient commerce." 
 
"In such circumstances the new president steps into scene to 
prepare the anticipated general elections. Even though some 
prefer a constitutional assembly election which will finally 
restructure the State and will also obligate an elaboration 
and approval of another Constitution." 
 
"As you can see, this outlook is very different to 
theaccustomed process of social-political change in Latin 
America and Central America. It would be interesting to 
watch the OAS actions contribute to an intelligent and 
realistic solution to the Bolivian crisis." 
 
3. On 06/13, the Tegucigalpa-based liberal daily "La 
Tribuna" published an editorial entitled, "Vaca Diez."  "Evo 
Morales, coca leader and his majesty in the riot, are the 
owners of Bolivia's situation. A few weeks of long lasting 
resistance, angry multitudes with flags of gas 
nationalization, was enough for Sanchez de Lozada to fall 
and run away to the U.S." 
 
"The demonstrations have shaken off the second president 
because he was an ally to the transnationals, American 
embassy, invaders and oligarchy. Despite that he was famous 
for being an intellectual and he is not an ally." 
 
"The OAS is doing very well, reunited in its annual assembly 
while all this was happening, deliberated on its new role 
towards ungovernability problems in Latin America. The OAS 
limited itself to express its concerns on Bolivia's chaotic 
situation. The new Secretary General tried better for luck 
in Nicaragua in mediating between the opposition and the 
government." 
 
"Here in Honduras we are far from Bolivia's situation but 
analyse say that we are on a `risky edge' and one of these 
days it is only matter of having someone with the capability 
to maintain a long lasting demonstration. It's possible that 
Carlos H. Reyes or the western origin Zuniga that will fire 
up passion and give the country a big scare by only igniting 
the fire and raising up a national issue flag." 
 
Tuebner