MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Increasing concern with Chavez “messianic militarism”

Peruvian president Alan Garcia expressed concern with the Bolivian-Venezuelan technical cooperation agreement which includes the construction of twenty military bases along Bolivia's frontiers with five neighbouring countries.

"We're much concerned and so are the Peruvian people. We've always had a friendly relation with Bolivia and we only have minimum military presence to protect our borders through which much smuggling occurs as well sometimes the occasional crossing of subversives and terrorists", said the Peruvian president quoted by CNN.

"We've never thought of defending ourselves from Bolivia, and we are most surprised that they are thinking of mounting military bases and stockades to defend themselves from Peru".

However he added that "I think this is happening because who is financing and inspiring the whole project, and who is not Bolivian, always displays this quite aggressive and militaristic attitude", added Garcia in direct reference to his Venezuelan counterpart Hugo Chavez.

"Let's hope that the aggressive adjectives don't turn into arms aggressiveness. That would certainly break regional equilibrium and regional friendship inside South America. I think it's better to cut from the root and warn about letting things happen, before it's too late", he added.

In the Peruvian Congress the president of the Defence Commission Luis Gonzalez Posada announced the summoning of the Foreign Affairs minister to report on the Bolivian-Venezuelan agreement.

"Bolivia has a long border with Peru. Currently we could describe it as a pink zone, which could quickly turn red if fears augment", warned the Senator.

The leader of Peru's congressional opposition Oscar Ortiz said President Chavez permanent interference in Bolivian affairs and the fact he's always claiming possible coups could actually be preparing the ground for a "self tailored real coup" and demanded ambassadors from Venezuela and Cuba be declared "persona non grata".

Ortiz also pointed out that Venezuelan officials have publicly stated that "fellow Venezuelans are prepared to shed their blood and come to the rescue of the Bolivian government of President Evo Morales if it was endangered", which is "most disturbing".

From Caracas Venezuelan Minister of Defence Raul Isaias Baduel argued that the agreement does not include the display of Venezuelan troops in Bolivia.

"I think there has been a deliberate intention in twisting the issue. It's possible that there is a link with the coming vote to incorporate Venezuela as a non permanent member of the United Nations Security Council", said Baduel.

In Lima "El Comercio", Peru's most respected independent newspaper in an editorial warned about President Chavez "hegemonic intentions".

"We are used to Venezuela's president singular reactions. It is clear he wants to move from political interference to a military situation and in his enrooted messianic conduct, emulate Liberator Bolivar. Will Evo Morales candidly follow the game?

When the region has solved most of its border conflicts, Venezuela pretends to create an outbreak of tension. It seems Chavez is keen in exporting his belligerence.

Although democratically elected, is it possible he can't rule in a climate of political tranquillity?

Or is it he constantly needs to be involved in conflicts and thus inflame his followers, instead of trying to improve the living Standard of his fellow countrymen?"