PRESS RELEASE

No.  29/03

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) strongly condemns the instances of violence that have occurred in the Republic of Bolivia, and denounces any actions that may jeopardize the maintenance of democracy in that state. The Commission also recalls that the Bolivian government is obligated to restore and preserve public order within the framework of national and international human rights instruments.

The Commission issues an urgent appeal for the hostilities to end and for democracy and the rule of law to be sustained, in accordance with the terms of the American Convention on Human Rights and the Inter-American Democratic Charter. A resolution to the difficult situation facing the Bolivian people will only be found through dialogue and respect for the democratic process.

 Washington, D.C., October 15, 2003