President of the Latin American Parliament (Parlatino) Jorge Pizarro expressed support Tuesday for Bolivian President Evo Morales' call for dialogue and unity in the country.
"It is perfectly possible to move forward to higher levels of autonomy, without destroying the unity of the Bolivian Sate," Pizarro said, referring to Sunday's recall referendum, preliminary results from which indicate victory for Morales.
However, Pizarro said though Morales' call for unity was positive, opposition leaders' insistence on strengthening autonomy could lead to increased polarization in the country.
"Let's hope that in democratic instances like the Bolivian Congress, where there is a representation of all political parties, it is possible to seek points of agreement and dialogue at a national level," the Parlatino chief said.
He said that the complex situation obliges Bolivian leaders to sit at a "table of dialogue, where all of them should participate without prejudice and seek a fair solution for all Bolivians."
Pizarro also rejected rumors about an eventual coup d'etat in Bolivia, saying the political leadership of the country must show enough maturity to sit down and hold discussions to find ways to achieve mutual understanding.
According to unofficial results, Morales won about 60 percent of valid votes at Sunday's recall referendum, held to decide whether he, Vice President Alvaro Garcia and eight of the nine regional governors should stay in office.
Morales called the referendum in response to votes for autonomy in the four provinces of Santa Cruz, Tarija, Pando and Beni earlier this year.
However, the referendum also deepened the division between the Andean west zone, which supports Morales, and the gas-rich east.
Following reports of his likely win, Morales said Monday that he is ready to talk to his eastern rivals.
The more affluent east, home to ost of Bolivia's natural gas reserves, has resisted Morales' insistence that the central government control and distribute energy profits.
Source:Xinhua
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