Maravi

Morales accuses rightwing opposition of plotting coup

Morales accuses rightwing opposition of plotting coup
By Larry Moonze in Havana, Cuba
Sunday August 24, 2008 [14:00]

BOLIVIAN President Evo Morales has accused rightwing opposition leaders of plotting a civilian coup against his administration. President Morales on Wednesday said the strike called by five pro-autonomy states was aimed at further dividing the Andean state. Leaders in five opposition-controlled states declared a general strike on Tuesday that paralysed a broad swath of the already deeply divided Boli via.

The four striking states of Santa Cruz, Beni, Pando and Tarija have held referendums demanding greater autonomy from the central government and the fifth pro-strike state of Chuquisaca contemplate a similar vote.

Clashes broke out in the eastern city of Santa Cruz which is the epicenter of the political opposition. It is reported that anti-government demonstrators foughtwith loyalists of leftist President Evo Morales and police had to fire tear gas to disperse rival groups armed with sticks and stones.

President Morales said the very act by the opposition groups of attacking the police headquarters and attempts to take over public institutions in Santa Cruz was a promotion of a coup.
"There are people who commit aggressions, attacks and carry out totally illegal actions," President Morales said.

"I believe that is a lack of respect for the population. They talk of taking over institutions which is practically a civilian coup against the Bolivian state."

He said, according to Prensa Latina in La Paz that he considered it an offence for anyone to attack a police facility.
President Morales said the opposition led clashes were an affront to his mandate.

"They are trying to break off components of the state and attempt to divide the country," he said. "Those sectors that confront the population and public order
are on a down roll that is why they are becoming more violent and radical."

President Morales said the government would maintain a single police force whose unity would not be affected by the pretexts put forward by the opposition.
He the government would force respect of the national police and thwart the intentions of Santa Cruz governor Ruben Costas of creating a parallel force.

Bolivian police chief General Miguel Gemio said attacks on the police would not be permitted.
"I want to forcefully add and without a doubt that we will not allow more actions against our institution and much less attacks against the investiture of
authorities and police," said Gen Gemio.

The states involved in the strike are seeking bolstered autonomy and a greater share of royalties from the extraction of gas and petroleum mostly drilled in regions controlled by the opposition.

Political divisions orchestrated by the right-wing leaders led to the recall referendum held and won with a resounding 67 per cent votes by President Morales on August 10.

Reconciliation talks had started after the recall vote but as initial negotiations collapsed opposition leaders decided to shut down their provinces.They accuse President Morales who has nationalized energy, mining and telecommunications companies and of taking the country into a communist dictatorship.

But allies of President Morales label the strike and the autonomy movement a ploy by wealthy, conservative landowners and allies keen to topple the government and recover benefits for Bolivia's conservative elite.
President Morales is the first indigenous Bolivian to ascend to presidency in 500 years.

Labels: BOLIVIA, COUP, EVO MORALES

posted by MrK @ 3:33 PM