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Political unknown takes over Bolivian presidency
La Paz, Bolivia, Oct 19: Carlos Mesa, a moderate politicalunknown, took over Bolivia`s presidency today after a month-longbloody revolt by the country`s Indian majority forced theresignation of his predecessor.
La Paz, Bolivia, Oct 19: Carlos Mesa, a moderate political
unknown, took over Bolivia`s presidency today after a month-long
bloody revolt by the country`s Indian majority forced the
resignation of his predecessor.
Tens of thousands of farmers, workers and miners marched in and
around the world`s highest capital for weeks to reject Sanchez de
Lozada`s US-backed, pro-market policies.
Mesa, the former vice president, is a respected journalist, historian and TV anchorman. He was designated by the Congress to serve out Sanchez de Lozada`s term, due to end in 2007. But the new leader immediately asked for early elections to be called.
News of Sanchez de Lozada`s resignation saw protesters dance, clap and bang drums in the narrow colonial streets. Miners exploded dynamite before singing the national anthem.
But once the party finishes, mesa faces enormous problems in a country that has undergone its worst crisis in over 20 years of democracy. Plus, he has little electoral legitimacy and no formal political party support.
He will have to negotiate with Indian groups who have shown they can paralyze the country. Many of Bolivia`s eight million citizens live on less than USD 5 a week. The life expectancy in some areas of the Andean country is under 45 years.
Mesa immediately proposed a binding referendum on a gas project that is opposed by Indian groups who say it will only benefit neighboring Chile, the United States and foreign investors.
The 50-year-old leader also promised a reform of an energy law criticized by Indian groups who say foreign firms` profits are too high.
He asked Congress to shorten his mandate and call early elections -- effectively asking to be a caretaker leader. He also said his cabinet would be made up of independents like himself and include no party members.
Sanchez de Lozada, whose first 1993-1997 government was marked by a wave of free market reforms, lasted only 14 months in the job after Mesa and coalition partners abandoned him over the last week for his deadly suppression of protests.
Mesa may well remember one phrase from Sanchez de Lozada`s bitter resignation letter sent to congress yesterday.
``I warn you that the dangers hanging over the country remain intact,`` the letter read.
Local TV reported that the ex-president, guarded by more than 300 troops, had flown from La Paz to the eastern city of Santa Cruz, where he was due to board a flight for Miami. The reports could not be immediately confirmed.
The US State Department issued a statement today commending Sanchez de Lozada ``for his commitment to democracy and to the well being of his country.
Bureau Report
Mesa, the former vice president, is a respected journalist, historian and TV anchorman. He was designated by the Congress to serve out Sanchez de Lozada`s term, due to end in 2007. But the new leader immediately asked for early elections to be called.
News of Sanchez de Lozada`s resignation saw protesters dance, clap and bang drums in the narrow colonial streets. Miners exploded dynamite before singing the national anthem.
But once the party finishes, mesa faces enormous problems in a country that has undergone its worst crisis in over 20 years of democracy. Plus, he has little electoral legitimacy and no formal political party support.
He will have to negotiate with Indian groups who have shown they can paralyze the country. Many of Bolivia`s eight million citizens live on less than USD 5 a week. The life expectancy in some areas of the Andean country is under 45 years.
Mesa immediately proposed a binding referendum on a gas project that is opposed by Indian groups who say it will only benefit neighboring Chile, the United States and foreign investors.
The 50-year-old leader also promised a reform of an energy law criticized by Indian groups who say foreign firms` profits are too high.
He asked Congress to shorten his mandate and call early elections -- effectively asking to be a caretaker leader. He also said his cabinet would be made up of independents like himself and include no party members.
Sanchez de Lozada, whose first 1993-1997 government was marked by a wave of free market reforms, lasted only 14 months in the job after Mesa and coalition partners abandoned him over the last week for his deadly suppression of protests.
Mesa may well remember one phrase from Sanchez de Lozada`s bitter resignation letter sent to congress yesterday.
``I warn you that the dangers hanging over the country remain intact,`` the letter read.
Local TV reported that the ex-president, guarded by more than 300 troops, had flown from La Paz to the eastern city of Santa Cruz, where he was due to board a flight for Miami. The reports could not be immediately confirmed.
The US State Department issued a statement today commending Sanchez de Lozada ``for his commitment to democracy and to the well being of his country.
Bureau Report