We follow events closely in Bolivia through our embassy in La Paz and with our EU partners. We welcomed the democratic election of the Government of President Morales last December, and recognise the clear mandate for change this signalled. Bolivia faces many challenges as it approaches this process of change and we are aware of opposition within Bolivia to some of Morales’ policies. It is important that political and economic reforms fully respect the democratic process. We hope that all parties will work together, maintaining an open and constructive dialogue, to ensure the future prosperity of Bolivia within a democratic system. We are not aware of significant constraints on media freedom or the freedom of assembly in Bolivia. We will continue to monitor the situation. Where we have specific concerns about political freedom, media freedom and freedom of assembly, we will make representations to the Bolivian Government.
We also monitor developments in Venezuela. We continue to encourage the Venezuelan Government, both bilaterally and through the EU, to ensure that the right to political freedom and freedom of assembly is fully respected. The Bolivarian Constitution protects the right of those working in the public sector to such freedoms, free from pressure to support a particular party or person. Embracing political pluralism, also enshrined in the Constitution, is the best path to full protection of political freedom. While the Venezuelan media generally has the freedom to act without undue interference, a number of international organisations have expressed concern recently about the law on social responsibility in radio and television. Some elements of the law were undoubtedly necessary, but we share concerns that the law also gives the state greater powers to control the Venezuelan media. We also have concerns relating to the draft international co-operation law, which governs the activities of non-governmental organisations, and have made representations to the Venezuelan Government, with our EU colleagues.