Latin American nations amp up their concerns over Bolivia unrest

Latin American nations are expressing growing concerns over shortages of crucial goods in Bolivia as unrest grips the country and poses a challenge to President Rodrigo Paz.

Rodrigo Gamarra, who heads the Parliament of the South American trade bloc Mercosur, released a statement on Saturday underscoring his “profound” worry about Bolivia, “where protests and blockades have caused shortages of food, fuel and essential supplies, affecting thousands of citizens.”

Those comments came less than a day after the governments of Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay and Peru said in a joint declaration that they reject “all action focused on destabilising the democratic order” under the Paz administration.

“In this sense, we reiterate our solidarity with the government and the Bolivian people, and we admonish all social and political actors to channel their differences, prioritising dialogue, respect for institutions and the preservation of social peace,” according to the joint statement.

Bolivia’s government on Saturday deployed police and military officers against road blocks that have been in place for two weeks, leading to clashes and dozens of arrests. Demonstrators have called for salary hikes and measures to strengthen the economy, while the national labour union, known as COB, is seeking Paz’s ouster. The unrest has led to at least three deaths.

The protests have been carried out in part by members of the Confederación Sindical Única de Trabajadores Campesinos, which is comprised of highland farmers, the national labour union, coca growers from Chapare province and followers of former president Evo Morales.

Bolivian government spokesman José Luis Gálvez said in a Thursday night press conference that the protests are being financed by drug-trafficking groups and Morales. Morales denied those accusations on a local radio programme.

Meanwhile, his supporters started a march from the department of Oruro toward capital La Paz, where they are expected to arrive on Monday.

In recent days, Bolivia’s government has reached agreements with miners and rural teachers, who agreed to end their demonstrations.