Decolonization irreversible in Bolivia, Evo affirms

LA PAZ, Jan. 22 .—President Evo Morales affirmed today that decolonization in Bolivia, a historic demand of its social movements, is now an irreversible process.

The first two years of the Bolivian president’s mandate were celebrated in the Plaza Muril

Prensa Latina reported that Morales, speaking to Congress, delivered a message to the nation acknowledging that during the past two years of his mandate, these changes have not been exempt from episodes of violence.

Regarding his victory at the polls in December 2005, with 54% of popular backing, he said it served to pave the way for the government’s tireless work to dignify the country and provide it with a strategy for national development

The president emphasized that the process of change underway is based on the consciousness of the Bolivian people, "upon whom foreign nations will never again be able to impose their will," and noted that while the economic and social measures taken by his administration are encountering resistance from conservative forces, the platform promises of his 2005 electoral campaign have been kept, and steady progress is being made on further achievements.

These central issues include the nationalization of hydrocarbon resources, the establishment of a Constituent Assembly and various regulations for organizing national development, agrarian revolution, regional autonomy and the fight against corruption.

Morales also reaffirmed the goal of declaring Bolivia free of illiteracy in 2008, a challenge that will be faced with the unconditional support of the Cuban government and its "Yes, I Can Do It" literacy program.

The first two years of Evo’s mandate were celebrated at the centrally-located Plaza Murillo by representatives of indigenous movements, who occupied the esplanade from early in the morning to greet their president, who is Aymara.