MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Chilean president Bachelet invited to Bolivia

Bolivian President Evo Morales invited Chile's President Michelle Bachelet to celebrate the inauguration of his country's Constituent Assembly and Bolivia's National Holiday on August 6.

Bachelet is one of many national leaders invited to the ceremony. Other dignitaries include U.S. President George W. Bush, Brazil's President Lula de Silva and the President of Argentina, Néstor Kirchner.

The inauguration of the Constituent Assembly is a landmark event for Morales' government as it will establish a referendum for the creation of autonomous departments within Bolivia. The attendance of foreign leaders is designed to show support for Morales' ideals and political goals.

Morales said Venezuela will provide US$1.5 million to finance the construction of the assembly's headquarters in the southern city of Sucre, historic capital of Bolivia.

Aside from soliciting support, observers also believe that the invitations signal the continuation of favourable relations between Bolivia and Chile, relations that appear to be improving in recent months.

"The first steps are extremely favourable," a diplomat said about the interaction thus far between Morales and Bachelet, adding that Morales' visit to Santiago last week for Bachelet's presidential inauguration surpassed all expectations. (Santiago Times).-