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OAS SECRETARY GENERAL CONDEMNS VIOLENCE IN BOLIVIA

  February 13, 2003

The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), César Gaviria, expressed his concern about the tragic occurrences of February 12 in La Paz, Bolivia.

“I would like to convey my condolences and solidarity with the families of those who died in the recent events in La Paz,” the Secretary General said.

Gaviria stressed that the rule of law and constitutional order must be respected, “in accordance with the principles enshrined in Article 4 of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, which states precisely and forcefully that all institutions of the state must be subordinated to the legally constituted civilian authority.”

The Secretary General emphasized that the constitutional government of President Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada has the unequivocal support of the inter-American community of nations.

He also called on all elements of Bolivian society to address their differences “within constitutional norms, in a manner that is peaceful and democratic.”


Reference: E-033/03