EU calls on all parties in Bolivia to recognize constitutional referendum results

[Judi Lynn]

EU calls on all parties in Bolivia to recognize constitutional referendum results
2009-01-30 00:13:23

BRUSSELS, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) on Thursday called on all parties in Bolivia to recognize the results of the Jan. 25 referendum, through which the new Constitution had been approved, and to ensure that the process of change respects the rights of all Bolivians.

In a statement issued by its Czech presidency, the EU, while expressing its satisfaction with the secure and peaceful conditions in which the referendum was held, hoped that the result will enable the Bolivian people to move forward in a peaceful and consensual manner.

The EU also urged all political actors to work together to strengthen the unity of the country, the democratic institutions of the State and the rule of law, and to face in a spirit of openness the challenges facing Bolivia.

Meanwhile, the EU reaffirmed its continuing readiness to accompany the process of democratic change and support the continuation of dialogue between all parties in the Latin American country.

The EU had sent an Election Observation Mission to monitor the constitutional referendum in Bolivia.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-01/30/content_10734996.htm

[Judi Lynn]

1. After centuries, the indigenous regain land rights

After centuries, the indigenous regain land rights
by Raul Burgoa

Bolivian President Evo Morales celebrated victory Monday after his compatriots approved sweeping constitutional changes that would empower the country's indigenous majority and let the president run for re-election.
Exit polls by two of the country's largest television networks showed that the new constitution had been approved in Sunday's referendum by a comfortable margin.

The changes were approved by 60 percent of the votes cast, according to the Unitel television network. ATB television network reported 58-percent approval. Official returns were expected later.

"Now Bolivia is being re-founded!" Morales told supporters who gathered at the Plaza de Armas in La Paz to hear him speak from the balcony of the presidential palace.

"Here the colonial state ends, and internal and external colonialism end," said the leftist Morales, Bolivia's first indigenous president.

More:
http://www.progress.org/2009/colonial.htm