Bolivia's Evo Morales: 'We Are Close to Returning to The Sea'

Bolivian President Evo Morales spoke, in a keynote address in Villa Tunari in Cochabamba, addressing Bolivia's maritime request submitted to The Hague's International Court of Justice (ICJ), stressing that the world's social movements supported the country's bid.

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"We are very close to our return to the Pacific Ocean, thanks to the Bolivian people. We hope this unity will continue in the battle to recover what is ours," said Morales, also noting that Chile must comply with the promises made so Bolivia could have a sea access.

President Morales said that "between October, November, maximum December there will be a ruling and any failure of the ICJ will be in compliance if we are States that recognize rights." During the event, former President Eduardo Rodriguez Veltze, Bolivian representative at The Hague's ICJ, was also made remarks.

The president stated that Chile violated Bolivia's sovereignty in 1879 invading Bolivia's territory and stealing over 400 kilometers accessing the Pacific Ocean. In addition, he clarified that Chile failed to comply with the Treaty of 1866 that recognized the exit to the sea for Bolivia.

"We are with the truth, we are asking for justice to be done". Morales also welcomed the work of the international legal team and the experts who are championing the cause.

In 2013, Bolivia submitted the request at the ICJ in an attempt to restore part of the territory and garner "sovereign access" to the waters it lost. The action aimed to force Chile into negotiations, arguing that they had previously offered talks which were later retracted.