SECRETARY-GENERAL HAILS AGREEMENT IN BOLIVIA, CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT,

OPPOSITION FOR COMMITMENT TO PEACEFUL RESOLUTION OF DIFFERENCES

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

The Secretary-General welcomes the agreement reached today by Bolivia’s National Congress on the text of the proposed new Constitution and the process for its approval.  He congratulates the Government of President Evo Morales and the leaders of the opposition forces for their commitment to a peaceful resolution of differences, which ultimately made this agreement possible.

After many months of tensions, this agreement marks a major breakthrough in resolving the political impasse that has divided Bolivians and provides them with a basis for working together in the period ahead to build an inclusive, democratic and prosperous future for their country.  It is a demonstration that dialogue and negotiation are indeed the only viable paths to resolve even the most difficult conflicts.

It has been a privilege for the United Nations to take part in the process of dialogue leading to this agreement, as an observer and facilitator, together with the Organization of American States (OAS), the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), the European Union and the Catholic and Evangelical Churches of Bolivia.

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For information media • not an official record