[R-G] Bolivian president denounces US military "blackmail"

[Macdonald Stainsby]

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-03/07/content_4268955.htm
Xinhua News Agency March 7, 2006

Bolivian president denounces US military "blackmail"

LIMA - Bolivian President Evo Morales on Monday blasted the United 
States' decision to remove Bolivia from its list of anti-terrorism 
partners as "blackmail" and "intimidation".

The U.S. military told Bolivian army chiefs last week that the country 
was no longer seen as a "suitable partner" in the war on terrorism, 
reports from Bolivia quoted Morales as saying.

"Because we don't accept U.S. vetoes and will not remove a senior 
Bolivian officer, we are sent blackmail letters by... U.S. army 
officers," Morales said.

There were no guarantees that the anti-terror fight would continue in 
Bolivia, he added.

The U.S. decision to stop recognizing Bolivia as an anti-terror partner 
means Washington could withdraw troops and equipment for the countries' 
joint anti-terrorism forces, as well as deny grants and training courses 
offered to Bolivian troops.

A group of Bolivian officers currently being trained in the United 
States will have to return home immediately due to the U.S.move.

The U.S. decision means the suspension of a total of more than 300 
million U.S. dollars each year from Washington, which Morales said "are 
peanuts."

"That money is intended to control Bolivia and to supply the United 
States with intelligence officers," he said.

Without the U.S. funding, Bolivia is a country with more dignity because 
no Bolivian officers are going to be hired or fired by U.S. military 
officials, he said.


The United States has already cut 96 percent of its military aid to 
Bolivia, because the South American country refused to signa document 
granting U.S. army officers immunity from prosecution at the 
International Criminal Court.

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Macdonald Stainsby
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