Annan voices concern at violence in Bolivia, deplores loss of life

The United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, today voiced concern about the violent incidents that took place yesterday in Bolivia and deplored the loss of life.

“The Secretary-General appeals to the Government and to the people of Bolivia to seek solutions to their problems through dialogue and full respect for the institutions of democracy,” said a statement issued in New York by a spokesman for Mr. Annan.

“The Bolivian people and their leadership have worked hard and made sacrifices to modernize the economy while preserving and strengthening their democratic institutions,” the statement added. “Yet much remains to be done to reduce inequity and poverty.”

The Secretary-General also appealed to the international community to demonstrate “flexibility and understanding in helping Bolivia find solutions to the difficult problems it confronts.”