Morales Favors Peaceful Revolution

La Paz
Feb 22

Bolivian President Evo Morales said on Thursday that his government will continue to bet on a deep, peaceful and democratic revolution in favor of the poorest.

We will continue the process of changes and all our social development projects, the Bolivian president told foreign reporters at the Government Palace.

He pointed out that the Constituent Assembly will establish the national re-foundation and will give the State a new political tool "to end discrimination, theft and the disdain suffered by the indigenous people in Bolivia."

Regarding the cooperative miners who have been on strike for several weeks against the government, Morales noted that they are victims of misinformation and manipulation by some opposition sectors.

He added that more than demands for social vindication, there are political motives behind their actions.

We are willing to continue to improve conditions in the sector and guarantee respect for the rights of the cooperative miners, stressed Morales.

He acknowledged that there is dissatisfaction in the mining sector, but "only a few groups are being manipulated by right-wing sectors opposed to our policies of change," he warned.

Regarding alleged links between the governing Movement to Socialism and the Spanish terrorist organization ETA, Morales strongly denied any links and described the accusations as malicious and ill-intentioned.