SECRETARY-GENERAL, VOICING STRONG SUPPORT FOR BOLIVIA’S DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS,

WELCOMES GOVERNMENT EFFORTS FOR DIALOGUE WITH OPPONENTS

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

At this moment of challenge and change in Bolivia, the Secretary-General wishes to express his strong support for the country’s democracy and democratic institutions.  During his meeting with President Evo Morales this week on the margins of the sixty-third United Nations General Assembly, the Secretary-General welcomed the Government’s efforts to pursue dialogue with opponents in search of peaceful, mutually agreed solutions to the problems facing the country.  He voiced his expectation that all parties will refrain from the use of violence to further their positions.

The Secretary-General welcomes the determined diplomatic efforts of the Association of South American Nations (UNASUR), the Organization of American States (OAS), the European Union (EU) and the Catholic Church, who -- together with the United Nations -- are serving as witnesses to the process of dialogue in Bolivia.  He further welcomes the creation of a UNASUR commission of inquiry into the deplorable killings in the Department of Pando, Bolivia, on 11 September.  Those responsible should be punished in accordance with the law.

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For information media • not an official record