SECRETARY-GENERAL, CONCERNED BY VIOLENCE IN BOLIVIA, APPEALS FOR DIALOGUE, RESPECT FOR DEMOCRACY

SECRETARY-GENERAL, CONCERNED BY VIOLENCE IN BOLIVIA,

APPEALS FOR DIALOGUE, RESPECT FOR DEMOCRACY

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is concerned about the violent incidents that took place in Bolivia yesterday and deplores the loss of life.

The Bolivian people and their leadership have worked hard and made sacrifices to modernize the economy, while preserving and strengthening their democratic institutions.  Yet, much remains to be done to reduce inequity and poverty.   The Secretary-General appeals to the Government and to the people of Bolivia to seek solutions to their problems through dialogue and full respect for the institutions of democracy.

The Secretary-General also appeals to the international community to demonstrate flexibility and understanding in helping Bolivia find solutions to the difficult problems it confronts.

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