Madam, - As an Irishman living in La Paz, Bolivia, I read the report "Bolivia's 'capital war' stokes fear of civil conflict" ( The Irish Times, August 8th) with particular interest. I feel impelled to write to you to give my view of the current political situation here.
Some reports in both the British and Irish press have, in my view, sensationalised events. Using words and phrases such "gas war" or "water war" misrepresent the history of demonstrations in Bolivia.
President Evo Morales is indeed under pressure from a variety of movements and groups, both from the indigenous population and from the middle and upper class Mestizos. Their gripes are many and varied: the moving of the seat of government from La Paz to Sucre, the slow rate of reforms promised by Morales, the drafting of the new constitution and the regional autonomy movements of the "half-moon" provinces. But such is the way in Bolivia. Demonstrations are practically a hobby here.
The demonstrations in La Paz have been completely peacefullly and no violence is expected on the streets. I co-own a hostel near Plaza Murillo, where most of the government buildings are and I see three or four protests or demonstrations a fortnight, all peaceful. Bolivians, rightly or wrongly invest a lot of faith in people power and the smallest issue will bring crowds on to the streets. It is rare that a month goes by without a demonstration against or for Morales and his policies. This is the Bolivian way, regardless of the political situation.
Our hostel is full to the brim with European and North American tourists who enjoy all the sights and sounds (and smells ) that La Paz has to offer; the protests and demonstrations are an added spice.
Indeed, many of the guidebooks list protests as one of the "must sees" in La Paz along with the biking, climbing, hiking and night life. - Is mise,
OSGUR COLM Ó CIARDHA,
Loki Hostel,
La Paz, Bolivia.