Second-term president vows to lead a pluri-national state blessed by Aymara gods

Bolivian President Evo Morales gave unexpected attention to Chile during his inaugural speech on Friday, January 22, highlighting the special relationship that has developed in recent years between the two historically antagonistic nations. Morales also saluted Chile’s president-elect Sebastian Piñera and expressed his hope that Piñera will continue the bi-national dialogue started by “compañera” Michelle Bachelet.

Photo by Christian Peña

The dialogue covers 13 issues that both nations agree need to be discussed and resolved before diplomatic relations can be restored. But certainly the most important issue for Bolivia (it has been enshrined in its new Constitution) is its aspiration to once again have access to the Pacific Ocean.