OAS envoy arrives at Bolivia to mediate in separatist crisis (updated)

Caracas,Venezuela, 30 April 2008. The Organization of American States (OAS) has sent its Secretary for political affairs, Argentinean Dante Caputo, to mediate in the secession crisis. After failing to arrange for a meeting with rightist separatist in Santa Cruz led by Local Government Prefect Raul Costas, Caputo finally arrived at La Paz today. Upon arrival and after a meeting with President Evo Morales, the Bolivian socialist government backed the OAS initiative. Secretary Caputo travelled to Santa Cruz to meet Local Government Prefects of Santa Cruz -Raul Costas- and Cochabamba - Manfreed Reyes Villas. Attending an OAS mandate, Caputo woud try to negotiate an institutional outcome for the crisis, that is, continous direct talks among the conflicting parties after the referendum. Caputo would return to La Paz to meet with Evo Morales government as soon as he receives a feedback on this OAS proposal. Expectations on the OAS initiative are rather high. Catholic Church has also make calls for immediate negotiations between the separatists and Evo Morales government prior to the planned referendum on 4 May 2008. On the other hand, the Protestant - Evangelist - Church has backed the government.

Pro government forces rejected the Santa Cruz Youth's announcement of bloodshed if someone tries to stop the referendum.  Furthermore, the Bolivian government intends to denounce calls for ethnic cleansing made by the rightist separatists. Most Bolivians have indigenous origins. However, they live in a most striking atmosphere of intolerance and segregation established since colonial times. The electoral victory of Evo Morales was the first time they have political representation in the Presidential office.  Autonomy calls based on federalism are not new political events in Bolivia. However, on this occasion they have been fuelled by ideologist confrontation between right and left.

A not very publicised autonomy charter would be voted in a Referendum proposed by separatist in Santa Cruz on Sunday 4 May 2008. The Evo Morales Government has not recognized the Santa Cruz Referendum as a legitimate or legal electoral action.  This Referendum call is a response to a new constitution approved at La Paz by Evo Morales government without the backing of the Bolivian opposition. Eastern provinces of Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, Beni y Tarija now claim for an autonomous status and independence from central government. These Provinces also contribute to a large amount of the NGP and have major reserves of oil and gas.   In a related event, Bolivia intends to nationalize five oil companies. This resumption of nationalization is a delayed measure. It was annouced by decree two years ago.

PS: After travelling to Santa Cruz and meeting with separatist prefects, OAS envoy stated there were positive signs. According to ABI, "the prefect of Santa Cruz promised to keep the Country's unity, to avoid  violence and to respect  laws and democratic Government." 

Sources: ABI, VTV, Globovision, El Universal, OAS, BBC Mundo, Los Tiempos,

Related stories: OAS warns Bolivian separatists (updated III), ALBA summit condemns separatist forces in Bolivia (updated III),