Grassroots movements question the legitimacy of dialogues between union leaders and the Paz administration.

On Monday, Bolivia’s Migration Directorate barred the entry of a delegation seeking to document the human rights situation during protests against right-wing President Rodrigo Paz.

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“During the controls carried out by the competent authorities, noncompliance with requirements demanded for admission and stay in national territory was verified, as well as inconsistencies between the conditions declared for their entry and the activities publicly announced by the delegation,” the Interior Ministry stated.

The international human rights mission arrived in Bolivia at the request of social organizations. It was made up of about 20 left-wing politicians and activists who departed from Argentina.

Upon their arrival at El Alto International Airport, migration authorities confiscated their documents and sent them to the airport terminal’s “inadmissible passengers” area. Police officers pushed the human rights defenders onto an airplane that took them to Santa Cruz.

The migration operation prompted angry complaints from the foreigners, who denounced the violation of their rights and the detention of a Bolivian resident in Argentina who was part of the group.

Their complaints were broadcast on the social media accounts of Kawsachun Coca, a radio station based in the Tropic of Cochabamba, the trade union and political stronghold of former President Evo Morales (2006-2019).

In late May, Bolivia’s Foreign Ministry also rejected the presence and participation of Argentine left-wing politician Mercedes Trimarchi in demonstrations by thousands of Bolivians demanding Paz’s resignation.

The text reads, “Alert. Bolivia has expelled an international human rights mission. Congressman Juan Marino and the rest of the delegation were detained, notified of an entry ban, and forced to return to Argentina. This incident deserves the strongest condemnation and an immediate investigation.”

Grassroots Organizations Reject the Paz Administration’s Call for Dialogue

On Monday, social and peasant leaders rejected the possibility that the Bolivian Workers’ Central (COB) would participate in a dialogue with the Paz administration.

They also warned that they would not recognize the validity of any purported agreement reached without the backing of grassroots organizations, which have remained organized for more than 50 days carrying out road blockades, marches and mobilizations throughout the country.

“Paz has never engaged in dialogue with social sectors. His call is a deception,” said farmers leader Nelson Virreira, who urged COB Secretary Mario Argollo not to deceive the Bolivian people and to remain steadfast in the union organization’s revolutionary principles.

Aquilardo Caricari, secretary of the Trade Union Confederation of Intercultural Indigenous Communities of Bolivia, warned that the COB would lose its legitimacy if it negotiated with the government without the participation of grassroots organizations.

“We will see who listens to them when they call for the demobilization of the people who are on the highways,” Caricari said, announcing the expansion of the blockades.

“Even if some leaders attempt to negotiate, we will continue the struggle,” stressed Vicente Choque, a leader of the Unified Trade Union Confederation of Rural Workers of Bolivia (CSUTCB).

teleSUR/ JF

Sources: Kawsachun Coca- El Pais – EFE

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