Today’s editorial from Los Tiempos, regarding TIPNIS jailers:
In order to obtain first-hand information, Los Tiempos organized the trip of a reporting team (a journalist, a photographer and a driver) to confirm, or otherwise, several reports on the construction of a road within the Indigenous Territory Isiboro Secure (TIPNIS), which would be underway by the indigenous sympathizers of the political party in government, MAS; that indigenous group lives in the area next to coca farmers and settlers, the alleged road was following the original design of Section II of the road linking Cochabamba and Beni.
Los Tiempos team could not accomplish its objective; a group formed by coca growers and settlers, with arrogant attitudes and threats of violence, prevented the passage of our colleagues, says the editorial. The team was not allowed to pass, with the argument that the press is against them [indigenous affiliated with MAS, as well as coca growers and settlers] and the construction of the road. Therefore, Los Tiempos team had to take a step back and return to Cochabamba. However, they confirmed, first, that there is a decided attitude on the part of those sectors to bend the will of the TIPNIS indigenous people, so the road could cross this territory (beyond human and environmental costs); second, that the trail/path Los Tiempos wanted to find, it actually exists as several people in the area confirmed; and thirdly, that there is no state authority presence in the area.
In addition, you can see how many people act based exclusively on the slogan. If the coca farmers and settlers worry about being informed, they would know, by way of example, this newspaper has supported and will continue to support the construction of a road linking both departments for their integrators and economic effects. However, they also should know that what must be done is to act within the provisions of the Constitution and obeying the laws in effect: you can not build a project of this nature without first performing a query with the people that directly feel affect and if the road does meet stringent environmental standards. This omission, unfortunately, makes them (the people who support the government) as custodians of what can become a hell place, in which turmoil and violence can convert the TIPNIS area, thus violating the rules that ensure peaceful coexistence.
From another perspective, it is incomprehensible that the Government authorities insist on ignoring the agreements that have come with the indigenous people who live in the TIPNIS. Not only will it damage the faith on the State by promoting this resistance, this attitude will also affect the internal and international legitimacy of Bolivia.
As noted, we must once again call on those who govern that before causing fratricidal conflicts, high social cost, they should be in line with what is stated in the Constitution and laws; which means designing alternative routes to avoid the highway linking Cochabamba and Beni to pass through the TIPNIS. And to remind coca producers and settlers, to be less arrogant and forget their violent attitudes of which they have been victims in the past and that, sooner or later, they end up paying onerous bills; and instead they should ask to take democratic and tolerant position favoring the common good rather than sectarian and corporate interest.
Los Tiempos editorial is strong and hope the government and its sympathizers analyse and change their attitude.
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