Foreign Correspondence

[Amaunet]

Right-wing Coup Threatens Bolivia

La Paz, Jun 2 (Prensa Latina) The rosary of problems contributing to the social and political crisis affecting Bolivia is now joined by rumours of a coup attempt by right wing forces and a police mutiny.


Evo Morales, leader of the Movement Towards Socialism (MAS), denounced to the foreign press the coup in the making designed to destroy democracy and eliminate him and the leadership of the social movement.



Morales accused the oligarchy from Santa Cruz -the key force in the autonomist and separatist movement- of an arms build up to charge against the popular and Indian movement, but he warned that "If the regional or popular position prevails, the country will erupt in flames."



He said that right wing military and fascist civilians see the coup as the solution to the present crisis, that is worsened by the traditional parties´ refusal to accept a legislative arrangement to match the popular demands and the backers of a referendum.



Morales denounced Congress Chairman Hormando Vaca Diez as being behind the moves, as it was his absence that prevented the debates about the social demands, and another meeting failed because of his refusal to accept holding Legislative elections and the autonomy referendum.



The MAS leader accused Vaca Diez and his followers of favoring the coup due to his contacts with the military, although the military leadership respects democracy and are the sole pillars for President Carlos Mesa.



Evo Morales made it clear that the MAS defends democracy and favors peace rather than confrontation but deplored that the oligarchy and conservatives do not understand that his party has prevented a popular armed uprising in Bolivia.



Morales also referred to rumors on police mutiny but President Mesa sent them a letter lauding their behavior, and their professional and prudent handling of the on-going protests.



But while Interior Deputy Minister Adrian Oliva denied rumors and Chief of Police, David Aramayo blamed the upheaval on the lack of uniforms and weaponry, the news agency Fides blamed it on President Carlos Mesa, who lauded the Police role in the protests that led to the February 2003 revolt.



Meanwhile, the Catholic church issued a release calling for dialogue and a peaceful solution to the crisis, but refused to mediate the conflict.



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