Bolivia Extols Chilean Opening to Sea Demand

Foreign Minister David Choquehuanca extolled on Sunday the Chilean opening to the centenary claim by Bolivia of its access to the Pacific Ocean, which goes back to the 19th Century.

On occasion of the 129th anniversary of the heroic defense at the locality of Calama and the Day of the Sea, the chief diplomat indicated that decades ago an open dialog on the issue was unthinkable.

In that sense he pondered the 13-point agenda boosted by presidents Evo Morales and Michelle Bachelet.

Proof of that approach, he said, are the meetings between military, intellectuals, lawmakers, entrepreneurs and indigenous leaders of both nations, a great step forward to the objective of recovering Bolivia s sea access, lost as result of the 1879-1882 conflict.

Choquehuanca announced the arrival by the end of March o fan important delegation of Chilean journalists in the framework of a mutual confidence policy.

Bolivia and Chile broke-up diplomatic relations since 1962 with a brief interval between 1975 and 1978.

Bolivians commemorate this Sunday the Day of the Sea amidst the best relations with Santiago, but with the same aspiration than 129 years ago of recovering its access to the Pacific Ocean.

According to the Organizing Committee of the day festivities, president Evo Morales sends a message to the nation calling for unity and integration and emphasizing the Bolivian sea access demand and the links to Chile.

The solemn activities began the eve with the return of the mortal remains of Eduardo Abaroa, hero of those battles, to the Cathedral of San Francisco and a torch parade.