CP/RES. 849 (1384/03)

SUPPORT FOR THE CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF BOLIVIA

THE PERMANENT COUNCIL OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES,

HAVING HEARD the presentation by the Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Bolivia on the tragic incidents that have jeopardized the democratic institutional framework in her country;

DEEPLY CONCERNED over the violent events that have taken place in Bolivia, which undermine the constitutional order and democratic institutions, and regretting the irreparable loss of human life that has resulted from these events;

CONSIDERING resolution CP/RES. 838 (1335/03), "Support for the Constitutional Government of the Republic of Bolivia";

REAFFIRMING:

The principles enshrined in the Charter of the Organization of American States, the Inter-American Democratic Charter, and the "Santiago Commitment to Democracy and the Renewal of the Inter-American System";

That the Charter of the Organization recognizes that "representative democracy is an indispensable condition for the stability, peace, and development of the region"; and

That, furthermore, Article 1 of the Inter-American Democratic Charter recognizes that "the peoples of the Americas have a right to democracy and their governments have an obligation to promote and defend it,"

RESOLVES:

1. To reiterate its full and decisive support for the constitutional Government of the President of the Republic of Bolivia, Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada, and for the maintenance of democracy and the rule of law in that country.

2. To condemn vigorously the acts of violence that have taken place in Bolivia, which endanger its constitutional order, and to reiterate categorically its repudiation of any action designed to disrupt its democratic system.

3. To deplore the irreparable loss of human life and to convey its deepest regret to the families of the victims of these unfortunate incidents.

4. To appeal to the Government and all political and social sectors of Bolivia to contribute, through dialogue and negotiation, to ensuring stability in the country and the restoration of public order, reaffirming that respect for constitutional guarantees and the rule of law are fundamental components of democracy and governance. Representative democracy is reinforced and deepened through ongoing, ethical, and responsible participation on the part of citizens in a framework of laws in keeping with the constitutional system.

5. To recall the firm resolve of member states to enforce the commitments set forth in the Inter-American Democratic Charter for preserving democracy.

6. To again urge the financial institutions to cooperate with the constitutional Government of the Republic of Bolivia, with the urgency that the situation warrants, thus contributing to the integral development and stability of the country.

7. To reaffirm its commitment to the promotion and defense of democratic values and institutions, in accordance with the purposes, principles, and provisions in force in the inter-American system.