Bolivian Indians in historic step

02 August 2009

Bolivia has become the first country in the history of South America to declare the right of indigenous people to govern themselves.
The country's first indigenous president, Evo Morales, launched his so-called "indigenous autonomy" policy in the eastern lowlands.
Peasant and indigenous communities will be entitled to vote for more autonomy in referendums next December.
The provisions are contained in a constitution passed earlier this year.
The new charter was bitterly opposed by Bolivia's traditional elite.
On Sunday, the provisions allowing for indigenous autonomy were presented in a special event in the eastern region of Santa Cruz.
Mr Morales said it was "a historic day for the peasant and indigenous movement".
"Your president, your companion, your brother Evo Morales might make mistakes but will never betray the fight started by our ancestors and the fight of the Bolivian people," he said.
Mr Morales has championed Bolivia's indigenous people, who for centuries were banished to the margins of society. source: bbc.com

Posted by News Point at 10:58 PM  
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