Reid Seeks Better U.S.-Bolivia Relations

[cal04]

A delegation of six U.S. senators led by incoming Majority Leader Harry Reid met Thursday with Bolivian President Evo Morales, seeking to smooth relations with the South American country's left-leaning government.

Relations have been tense partly due to Morales' friendship with Presidents
Fidel Castro of Cuba and Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, and by Morales' background as the leader of coca growers fighting U.S. attempts to eradicate their crops.

In a news conference following the meeting with Morales, Reid said it was not an accident that he chose Bolivia as the first country to visit as Democrats prepare to take control of the U.S. Congress in the wake of last months elections.

"I came to Bolivia because I felt that our country and Bolivia need to have a better relationship," Reid said. "We're here as Democrats and Republicans to help North America appreciate the potential of this mighty little country."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061229/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/bolivia_us_2

[muntrv]

1. I say legalize coca leaves for legitimate uses, if not cocaine outright.

By legalizing them, the street value of cocaine would drop and we can stop demonizing coca farmers, IMHO.

[Larkspur]

2. Water rights

Did Morales tell Reid that he won't help Bechtel and other American companies steal Bolivia's water? Water was the main issue, not cocoa leaves, that led to the populist uprising in Bolivia.