Notice the little things
03.07.2005A brief update on Bolivia: The armed forces have, of course, come out in favor of democracy, and their support for institutions during their press conference. But notice the pictures. The generals were dressed in combat fatigues, not dress uniforms. It's rare; it speaks volumes.
"Hemos visto por necesario hacerles conocer a ustedes cual va ser nuestra posición con respecto a esta coyuntura, lo demás sería entrar en actitudes de deliberación en la que no podemos entrar ... Creemos que toda la situación se esta planteando de manera que podría entrar en riesgo la estabilidad del país y es por esta razón estamos acuartelados y estamos atentos a cualquier previsión que pueda ser tomada por nuestro presidente y Capitán General"
Thus spoke Admiral Aranda (head of the join chiefs). So. The military is in its barracks (but "acuartelado" also carries the meaning of "on stand-by readiness"), waiting for any orders from President Mesa.
Meanwhile, parliament, despite the resignation letter, is actually stalling for time (or something), insisting that parliament can't be convened w/o 48-hour notice. Hormando Vaca Diez, parliament president, suggests the legislature might not deliberate on the resignation until Wednesday or Thursday (cynics may suggest this is to ensure that as many camba & chapaco delegates as possible are present). Party whips will meet to decide if they can move up the meeting date. Meanwhile, there's a dangerous power vacuum.
Posted by Miguel at 03:41 PM