Evo Morales Has a Dream for Bolivia

by Luis Enrique González (Special Envoy)

La Paz, Jan 22 (Prensa Latina) Only by thinking about the people,
about Bolivia, I want to be the best president, to lead the best
government, Evo Morales said on Sunday, just a few hours before his
inauguration.

For the first time, I can reveal this desire of mine, he said. The
elections of December 18 made me fall in love with all of Bolivia,
according to our indigenous culture, Morales told Prensa Latina at a
meeting with Cuban journalists.

Morales is officially inaugurated president of Bolivia on Sunday for
a five-year term, after receiving the blessing of the gods in an
unprecedented swearing in ceremony at the Tiwanaku ruins on Saturday
following ancient indigenous rituals.

In his modest La Paz-based residency, and after admitting his
nervousness for the task he is about to face, the new president
underlined the commitment he has taken before the "Pacha Mama"
(Motherland.)

"As president I ought to work for my country, regain its natural
resources, think about the well-being of the Motherland, about its
deities, about my parents, about Bolivia, either asleep or awake," he
said.

"I thank all Bolivians for their honourable, sound support," he said
while recalling his resounding victory, with 53.7 percent of votes,
an all time high.

There are many challenges ahead for this government and its people, a
key player in this event, including regaining the control over
natural resources, guaranteeing health care, wiping out illiteracy.

While admitting the challenges, Morales said that "with our work and
people’s help and solidarity, including agreements signed with Cuba
and Venezuela, we will move forward."

"I have heard that the US government is ready for dialogue, we can do
it, let’s talk, but without any condition, without subordination,
without blackmailing, without submission, but with respect," he
stressed.

mh/rma/leg