Rumsfeld accuses Cuba and Venezuela of involving themselves in Bolivian politics “in unhelpful ways,” without elucidating or offering any proof. They never do. He also insisted that South America’s problems “don’t lend themselves to single-nation solutions.” In other words those countries require somebody – but who, oh who? – to become involved in their politics in, you know, helpful ways.
The US defence secretary has accused Cuba and Venezuela of fomenting unrest in Bolivia, which has led to the overthrow of two presidents since 2003.
Speaking in Paraguay, a close US ally, he asked South American nations to take a multi-lateral approach to the issue.
But while Donald Rumsfeld has had a warm reception in Paraguay, he will have a hard time persuading other South American leaders, correspondents say.
Many countries in the region are improving their ties with Venezuela.[...]
BBC South America correspondent Tom Gibb says Washington is clearly worried that the strongly anti-US coca grower, Evo Morales, who has led many of the Bolivian protests, could win elections there in December.
Mr Rumsfeld's accusation represents a significant stepping-up of attempts to isolate the left-wing Venezuelan President, Hugo Chavez, our correspondent says.
But countries like Brazil and Argentina are increasing economic and political co-operation with Mr Chavez rather than trying to isolate him.
And many analysts dispute Washington's view, saying the turmoil in Bolivia owes more to home-grown factors than external influence.
And, just in case you don't see this in the mainstream news...While participating as a guest at 16th World Youth Festival, left-wing Bolivian political leader Evo Morales asked Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to extend the reach of “Operacion Milagro,” a program of solidarity between Latin American nations.
“This program will be a great aid to break up with neo-liberalist organisms like the World Bank which represent the interests of capitalists,” stated Morales, leader of the Socialist Party in his country.
Shortly, Bolivia will be included in Cuba’s free healthcare program where plans are to assist close to 10,000 impoverished Bolivians to recover their vision. Evo Morales also requested Venezuela’s state oil company for technical assistance in reestablishing the Bolivian Oil and Gas Company.
The U.S. military is conducting secretive operations in Paraguay and reportedly building a new base there. Human rights groups and military analysts in the region believe trouble is brewing. However, the U.S. embassy in Paraguay denies the base exists and describes the military activity as routine. According to an article in the Bolivian newspaper, El Deber, a U.S. base is being developed in Mariscal Estigarribia, Paraguay, 200 kilometers from the border with Bolivia. The base will permit the landing of large aircraft and is capable of housing up to 16,000 troops. A contingent of 500 U.S. troops arrived in Paraguay on July 1st with planes, weapons, equipment and ammunition.
With Bolivia’s recent uprisings, their enormous gas reserves, and a presidential election on the way, this questionable activity could pave the way for a U.S. intervention. Rumors of Al Qaeda training grounds near Paraguay may also work to the Bush administration’s advantage as it makes a case for military operations in the region.
On May 26, 2005 the Paraguayan senate approved the entrance of the troops, granting them total immunity, free from Paraguayan and International Criminal Court jurisdiction. The legislature is due to expire in December 2006, but is automatically extendable. Since December 2004, the U.S. has been pressuring Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela and Paraguay into signing a deal which would grant immunity to U.S. military. The Bush administration threatened to deny the countries up to $24.5 million in economic and military aid if they refused to sign the deal. Paraguay was the only country to accept the offer.[...]
U.S. military operations and assistance are nothing new in the region. However, the timing of these activities appears to be more than a coincidence. Bolivia is scheduled to have presidential election in December 2005 and leftist coca grower leader and congressman, Evo Morales may have a strong chance at winning.
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