MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

President Lagos rejects “gas for sea” proposal.

Chilean president Ricardo Lagos said Chile is prepared to negotiate with Bolivia future gas projects following the massive support for his Bolivian counterpart Carlos Mesa energy policy in last Sunday's referendum. However the Chilean president insisted that no “sovereign” access to the Pacific Ocean is on the negotiation table.

Mr. Lagos, currently in an official visit to the United States, praised Mr. Mesa for the landslide support in the referendum emphasizing the importance of the event "for Bolivian stability and president Mesa's administration".

"Regarding negotiations with Chile, as we've also said, we are open to any type of negotiation", added President Lagos.

However, Mr. Lagos was adamant regarding one of the questions of Sunday's referendum which enables President Mesa to exchange "natural gas for sea".

Meaning Bolivia is willing to supply Chile with natural gas (and reduce its frustrating Argentine dependency) if Bolivia is granted a "sovereign" and useful access to the Pacific.

"Frankly, I don't know what "gas for sea" means", replied the Chilean president when specifically asked about the issue, but underlined his country willingness to help Bolivian privileged access to the Pacific, in spite of the fact the offer has been repeatedly rejected.

"Well, if they want to export gas, naturally we've offered them a free sea terminal concession for however long they wish?But if we are talking about borders, I believe this is more difficult to understand".

"As Chilean president, during my mandate I've spend more time meeting with Bolivian presidents" than with other colleagues indicated Mr. Lagos.

"The natural gas is Bolivian, it's an issue for Bolivians that must benefit them, and therefore we'll do our outmost to ensure that is so", concluded the Chilean president.