Evo Morales Asks for International Co-operation at Columbia
By Maile Cannon
November 19, 2009
Short, dark and stocky with a helmet of jet black
hair, Bolivia's first indigenous president, leftist Evo
Morales, held court this morning in Columbia University's
regal Low Library and announced that international
cooperation, not exploitation, is needed to industrialize
South America's poorest, but resource-rich, country.
The one-time llama herder and son of a coca
farmer stood before more than 200 students, academics,
media and notable others, including American actor Danny
Glover. He emphasized that expanding the energy sector,
under state control, was key to the development of his
multi-ethnic country. Today, he called for more
investment, but on his terms, and with interests of the
Bolivian people at heart.
“We need partners, not owners,” Morales firmly
stated in Spanish.
In May 2006, the leader of the Movement Towards
Socialism party, who was elected by more than 50 percent
of the vote in 2005, nationalized oil and gas in Bolivia and
raised production taxes. The move was controversial and
unpopular with domestic and international energy
companies, but as a result, the state profited. Last year it
pulled in more that $2 billion in hydrocarbon revenue,
$300 million made in 2005.
Though aware that nationalization of energy
production rubs Western businesses the wrong way, the
populist leader insisted that keeping a firm grip on the
energy industry was the only way to see that all of the
country's people benefited. Bolivia has more than 30
indigenous ethnic groups, including the Quechua, Guarani
and Aymara. Morales who is Aymara, said balancing the
needs of everyone is crucial and something he works hard
to achieve; nationalization was the best way to accomplish
this.
“I spoke to my compañeros (comrades) and they
said, “You are right, Evo, the oil belongs to the Bolivian
people,” he said.
Morales insisted that money made from the
national sector was essential to improving the quality of
life for Bolivians. He described educational programs that
provide incentives to prevent school desertion for a
population that suffers from high rates of illiteracy and
elderly care schemes that offer lifetime leases on housing.
All would be funded through energy revenue and managed
by the state.
“Basic services are a human right. They cannot be
privatized,” he said.
The left-leaning leader also addressed his U.S.
critics. The Bush administration has branded Morales as
“non-compliant with the War on Drugs” for encouraging
coca growing—a traditional industry with cultural ties,
though the leaves are used in cocaine production—and for
recently dismissing agents of the U.S. Drug Enforcement
Agency in the country.
He also upset American relations by expelling U.S.
Ambassador Philip S. Goldberg on the grounds he was
interfering with internal matters. He accused Goldberg of
supporting his opposition and said even American Peace
Corps volunteers in Bolivia denounced the ambassador.
Morales speech led to questions from the audience
and most were related to the future of the South American
country. The Bolivian head of state spoke of his hope for
improved diplomacy with the U.S. under the new Obama
administration and of his enthusiasm for a new
constitution, on which the people will vote on January 25.
“We have had 18 different constitutions,” he said,
“but never one which consulted the people.” Land reform
and presidential term limits are key matters at stake in the
new law.
Morales also spoke of his desire to move away
from reliance on the energy sector to grow the economy in
the long-term.
“I want to be honest with you, Bolivia relies on oil.
That needs to change,” he said, noting that next year's
fiscal budget is dependent on oil prices staying above $60
per barrel. Most recent figures this week value the
commodity between $50 and $60 per barrel.
The plain-speaking politician ended on an
optimistic note, however, reminding his audience of his
dedication to his nation and his belief that improving the
lives of the common man is in the best interest of the
international community.
“Politics is the science of serving the people,”
Morales said. “Everything good for the ordinary people
will be good for the world.”
, has increased domestic revenue, but has discouraged new
investment. Striking a balance
Elected in 2005 by more than 50 percent of the vote, the
leader of the Movement Towards Socialism—MAS, which
means more in Spanish—