[Congressional Bills 106th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 375 Introduced in Senate (IS)]







106th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 375

 Supporting the efforts of Bolivia's democratically elected government.


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                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

            October 12 (legislative day, September 22), 2000

   Mr. Lugar (for himself, Mr. Dodd, Mr. Helms, Mr. DeWine, and Mr. 
 Graham) submitted the the following resolution; which was referred to 
                   the Committee on Foreign Relations

_______________________________________________________________________

                               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 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
    Resolved, That (a) the Senate calls upon the Government of Bolivia 
to continue its successful program of coca eradication and looks 
forward to the Government of Bolivia achieving its commitment to the 
total eradication of illegal coca in Bolivia by the end of 2002.
    (b) It is the sense of the Senate that--
            (1) the United States, as a full partner in Bolivia's 
        efforts to build democracy, to eradicate illegal narcotics, and 
        to reduce poverty through development and economic growth, 
        should fully support the democratically elected Government of 
        Bolivia;
            (2) the release of emergency supplemental assistance 
        already approved by the United States for sustainable 
        development activities in Bolivia should be accelerated;
            (3) on a priority basis, the President should look for 
        additional ways to provide increased tangible support to the 
        people and Government of Bolivia;
            (4) the Government of Bolivia should continue to respect 
        the human rights of all of its citizens and continue to discuss 
        legitimate concerns of Bolivia's rural population; and
            (5) indigenous leaders should enter into discussions with 
        the government on issues of concern and cease provocative acts 
        that could lead to escalating violence.
    Sec. 2. The Secretary of the Senate shall transmit a copy of this 
resolution to the President.
                                 <all>