OAS backs Bolivia's territorial integrity ahead of vote

[Judi Lynn]

OAS backs Bolivia's territorial integrity ahead of vote
51 minutes ago

WASHINGTON (AFP) — The Organization of American States late Friday expressed support for Bolivia's territorial integrity ahead of an autonomy referendum in the country's biggest province.

In a resolution, the OAS Permanent Council rejected "any attempts to disrupt" Bolivia's constitutional order and its territorial integrity.

It also urged all those involved in the political process "to avoid any action to could undermine peace, constitutional order and peaceful coexistence among Bolivians."

Bolivia is bracing for a weekend vote on autonomy in the province of Santa Cruz that many fear could send the Latin American nation into violent turmoil.

More:
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hheiVMOOhWWM224pdYp7iPAqCU1w

[Judi Lynn]

1. Eurolat opposes autonomy referendum in Bolivia

Eurolat opposes autonomy referendum in Bolivia
www.chinaview.cn 2008-05-03 10:02:21

LIMA, May 2 (Xinhua) -- The Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly (Eurolat) on Friday voiced its opposition to a referendum for autonomy in the Bolivian state Santa Cruz, calling it "unconstitutional."

"We notice that Santa Cruz's consultation for an autonomous statute is a social confrontation and destabilization factor against Bolivia's Constitution," the legislators said in a statement during its second plenary Assembly in Lima.

The move "has not taken into account the native and indigenous people," said the legislators.

The lawmakers expressed their support for Bolivian President Evo Morales who was trying to establish a dialog mechanism to help find a democratic and constitutional solution with the opposition.

More:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-05/03/content_8094755.htm

[Judi Lynn]

2. -Very helpful 3 minute analysis of the situation for people who've not read about it, yet:

http://www.therealnews.com/web/index.php?thisdataswitch=0&thisid=1439&thisview=item&renewx=2008-05-03+02%3A33%3A55