MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Backing for Indian leader in Bolivian election

The Organization of American States, (OAS), Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza currently visiting Ecuador announced that in the event of Indian leader Evo Morales victory in Bolivia's coming presidential election, he would have the full support of the institution.

"We sill support him, because we are all OAS country members", said Mr. Insulza in an interview with Quito's main daily "El Comercio".

When asked about the impact of a victory from the leader of the Movement Towards Socialism, MAS, Mr, Insulza said he trusted that this "will not lead to a radical government in Bolivia, contrary to the OAS".

Mr. Insulza added that the organization observes "with normality" the advance of left wing governments in the region, particularly next year which has a packed electoral calendar.

"Latinamerica has been living under democracy for the last twenty years; left and right wing politicians can win and loose elections, alternating in office, which is normal", underlined the former Chilean vice-president.

With less than two weeks for the Bolivian election of Sunday December 18, the latest public opinion polls show Mr. Morales with a five points lead over runner up former president Jorge Quiroga.

Mr. Morales has been repeatedly accused of promoting instability and working for the establishment of a "radical" government that would nationalize all Bolivian energy resources.

However lately Mr. Morales has began praising Brazilian president Lula da Silva as his model and inspiration and has ceased talking of Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez who is accused of financing radical Indian movements in Bolivia.

Brazil's Petrobras is one of the main foreign investors in the Bolivian energy industry.