III

106TH CONGRESS

2D SESSION S. RES. 375

Supporting the efforts of Bolivia’s democratically elected government.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

OCTOBER 12 (legislative day, SEPTEMBER 22), 2000

Mr. LUGAR (for himself, Mr. DODD, Mr. HELMS, Mr. DEWINE, Mr. GRAHAM,

Mr. L. CHAFEE, and Mr. BAYH) submitted the following resolution;

which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations

OCTOBER 19 (legislative day, SEPTEMBER 22), 2000

Committee discharged; considered and agreed to

RESOLUTION

Supporting the efforts of Bolivia’s democratically elected

government.

Whereas the stability of democracy in Latin America and the

eradication of illegal narcotics from the Andean nations

are vital national security interests of the United States;

Whereas the democratically elected Government of Bolivia

has taken dramatic steps to eradicate illegal narcotics

under the Dignity Plan, resulting in the elimination of 80

percent of the illegal coca crop in just two years, a record

of achievement unmatched worldwide;

Whereas the Government of Bolivia is now approaching the

completion of coca eradication in the Chapare and will
2

SRES 375 ATS

begin eradication operations in the Yungas regions in

2002;

Whereas there are indications that narcotics traffickers from

outside Bolivia are stepping up efforts to keep a foothold

in Bolivia by agitating among the rural poor and indigenous populations, creating civil disturbances, blockading

roads, organizing strikes and protests, and taking actions

designed to force the Government of Bolivia to abandon

its aggressive counter narcotics campaign; and

Whereas the government of Bolivian President Hugo Banzer

Suarez has shown remarkable restraint in dealing with

the protesters through dialogue and openness while respecting human rights: Now, therefore, be it

1 Resolved, That (a) the Senate calls upon the Govern2 ment of Bolivia to continue its successful program of coca

3 eradication and looks forward to the Government of Bo4 livia achieving its commitment to the total eradication of

5 illegal coca in Bolivia by the end of 2002.

6 (b) It is the sense of the Senate that—

7 (1) the United States, as a full partner in Bo8 livia’s efforts to build democracy, to eradicate illegal

9 narcotics, and to reduce poverty through develop10 ment and economic growth, should fully support the

11 democratically elected Government of Bolivia;

12 (2) the release of emergency supplemental as13 sistance already approved by the United States for

14 sustainable development activities in Bolivia should

15 be accelerated;
3

SRES 375 ATS

1 (3) on a priority basis, the President should

2 look for additional ways to provide increased tan3 gible support to the people and Government of Bo4 livia;

5 (4) the Government of Bolivia should continue

6 to respect the human rights of all of its citizens and

7 continue to discuss legitimate concerns of Bolivia’s

8 rural population; and

9 (5) indigenous leaders should enter into discus10 sions with the government on issues of concern and

11 cease provocative acts that could lead to escalating

12 violence.

13 SEC. 2. The Secretary of the Senate shall transmit

14 a copy of this resolution to the President.

Æ