Evo Morales At Columbia

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—