As Bolivians gear up for Sundays watershed referendum on the countrys natural resources, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan Thursday urged calm and pledged the world bodys help in resolving disputes there.
Bolivian President Carlos Mesa has staked his administration on the measure, which concerns the annulling of the national hydrocarbons law as well as the key principles for future management of the gas sector.
Bolivias hydrocarbons industry was essentially privatized in the mid-1990s, and a “yes” vote would, among other measures, reinstate the now-defunct State-owned company.
– The Secretary-General considers that the upcoming referendum gives Bolivians the opportunity to participate in the decision-making process on an issue that is important to their countrys development, a UN spokesman said.
Through the spokesman, Mr. Annan urged all Bolivians “to maintain a peaceful and constructive attitude during the coming days.”
The UN will continue to be engaged in supporting all Bolivians in the search for peaceful and democratic solutions to the problems in their country, he pledged.
Popular dissent with a planned export of natural gas to among others the US last autumn led to civil unrest which eventually brought about a new government and a new President in the Andean country.
Kilde: FNs nyhedstjeneste
