Remarks by Secretary General Albert R. Ramdin at the Conclusion of the OAS High-Level Mission to Bolivia

Press Release

Remarks by Secretary General Albert R. Ramdin at the Conclusion of the OAS High-Level Mission to Bolivia

I would like to begin by thanking the Government of Bolivia, Foreign Minister Fernando Aramayo, and President Rodrigo Paz for inviting this Mission. Mr. President, this invitation is the clearest demonstration of your willingness to engage in dialogue in order to find solutions.

This High-Level Mission is grounded in the analyses and the resolution adopted at the most recent OAS General Assembly in Panama.

I would also like to thank Panama for its leadership and for the key role it has played in this matter.

Mr. President, our primary objective has been to express our solidarity with the Government and the people of Bolivia, and to defend democracy. Our approach has been to listen carefully to the Government, as well as to representatives of social organizations, civil society, the private sector, and State institutions.

Of course, it would be impossible to hear from every stakeholder in just two days, but we will continue this process of listening.

I would like to emphasize that today we stand united in the OAS in defense of democracy and human rights. When the people have spoken, election results must be respected and accepted by all. Therefore, I wish to reiterate our support for the constitutional and legitimately elected Government of Bolivia under the leadership of President Paz.

I would like to thank all the organizations and representatives with whom we met over the past two days. I especially appreciate the openness and cordiality with which they shared their views and suggestions, always with a positive, constructive, and forward-looking spirit. We have learned a great deal-above all, the importance of communication and dialogue.

I would also like to thank the seven OAS member states represented on this Mission -Argentina, Canada, Chile, Panama, Peru, the United States, and Uruguay- for their participation in this important effort.

And I want to thank all of you-journalists and members of the media-for your interest in our work, and I ask for your support in helping us share this information.

In a democratic society, everyone, without exception, must respect the rules and principles of democracy. No one can claim the right to act outside the law. We regret the events that took place in May and June. We have seen the images of road blockades, threats to infrastructure, and disruptions to essential services, but that is not the Bolivia we know. Following our discussions yesterday and today, we are convinced that no one wants to see those scenes repeated, because the social, economic, financial, personal, and reputational costs to Bolivia have been extremely high, and it will take time to repair the damage.

We recognize that, given today's global social and economic circumstances, achieving results in the short term is not always easy. But we also know that Bolivia has unique strengths: a hardworking people; a rich cultural diversity rooted in values and traditions; a dynamic private sector; and the support of the international financial community. That is why major reforms for the benefit of all Bolivians are not only necessary-they are also possible.

And meaningful reform requires meaningful dialogue.

For example, if new legislation is needed, it will require building consensus among the many different perspectives we have heard over the past two days.

We call on institutional actors to open their doors to social movements, the private sector, academia, civil society, and all political viewpoints, so that together they can build pathways toward development. At the same time, we expect every movement to respect the Constitution and the results of democratic elections.

Having completed our agenda, we leave Bolivia with a positive spirit and optimism about the future. The road ahead will not be easy, and it will require hard work and commitment from all parties. I believe that embracing the vision of a Bolivia for all, and by all, can serve as an important starting point for the future. I want you to know that the success of your efforts will not only be Bolivia's success, but the success of the entire Hemisphere.

We will soon submit our written report to the Chair of the OAS Permanent Council, who will convene a meeting so that the other member states may consider its findings. In the meantime, the people of Bolivia, President Paz, and his Government will continue to count on the support of the Organization of American States.

Thank you very much.

Reference: E-088/26