here we go again
Rumsfeld, in Latin America, Voices Democracy Concerns
Bolivia Is Focus of Appeals for Regional Help
By Josh White
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 17, 2005; Page A08
ASUNCION, Paraguay, Aug. 16 -- Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, arriving in this South American capital Tuesday, said countries in the region should help strengthen democracy in Bolivia and suggested that governments in Cuba and Venezuela have been involved in Bolivia in "unhelpful ways."
Rumsfeld's brief trip is aimed at reinforcing ties with regional democracies as they fight political instability, terrorism and drug trafficking, defense officials said. Rumsfeld will also visit Peru.
Col. Elvio Flores points the way upon Secretary Rumsfeld's arrival in Asuncion. (By Jorge Saenz -- Associated Press)
Increasing political problems in Bolivia, which borders Paraguay to the northwest, have been fostered by Cuban and Venezuelan authorities, U.S. officials contend.
U.S. officials said the challenge is to steer Bolivia toward a democratic outcome while encouraging South American neighbors to work together. Peasant groups, urban activists and socialist parties have staged repeated protests in Bolivia, a deeply impoverished country.
"Any time you see issues involving stability in a country, it is something that one wishes would be resolved in a democratic, peaceful way," Rumsfeld told reporters en route to Paraguay. "There certainly is evidence that both Cuba and Venezuela have been involved in the situation in Bolivia in unhelpful ways."