January 16, 2004
Washington, D.C.

SECRETARY POWELL: I am pleased to join Under Secretary Hakim in thanking you on behalf of Presidents Bush and Fox for your participation in this first meeting of the Bolivia Support Group. Your presence underscores the international community's commitment to the success of Bolivia's democracy.

Earlier this week, many of us participated in the Special Summit of the Americas in Monterrey where our leaders reaffirmed the pledge they made in Quebec in 2001 "to strengthen representative democracy, promote good governance and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms." In Monterrey, our governments sought new ways to pursue those goals for the hemisphere. And today, together with nations from across the globe and a host of international institutions, we further that work as we address the challenges confronting our valued partner in democracy, Bolivia.

Together, we must help Bolivia through this time of difficulty, lest its citizens' hopes for a better life turn to despair and they question the legitimacy of democracy itself.

The people and government of Bolivia need and deserve our collective help to continue on the promising path of democracy that they have chosen. Bolivia has long been committed to political and economic reform. And Bolivia has been a champion of democratic institutions throughout the Americas.
Yet, Bolivia's democracy remains fragile. The Bolivian Government faces increasing pressure from violent cocalero and other radical groups. We must provide concerted support to the constitutional government of President Mesa and help Bolivia continue to develop its democratic institutions. For the pressing political, social and economic problems facing Bolivia can be meaningfully addressed only within a democratic context.
President Mesa is dedicated to advancing Bolivia's democracy and addressing the needs of its people. He is building public support for economic measures designed to promote growth and fiscal stability. He is promoting greater political participation by all elements of Bolivian society, including the large indigenous populations which for so long have been effectively excluded. President Mesa is committed to upholding the rule of law, to implementing solid counternarcotics policies and to working with his hemispheric neighbors to ensure regional security. That Bolivia maintain a stable, democratic government and that President Mesa's reform policies succeed is manifestly in the interests of the international community.

International political and financial support can help the Bolivian Government reach its own stated objectives for reform. Through timely and well targeted efforts, we can help the Bolivian Government strengthen democratic institutions, broaden participation in the political process, accelerate economic growth and redress societal inequities. Our coordinated efforts can help create conditions for good governance, sound development and social peace in Bolivia and for democracy, prosperity and stability in the hemisphere.

Over the past few months, my government has delivered significant assistance to Bolivia and just this week at the Special Summit in Monterrey, President Bush met with President Mesa and assured him of the United States' strong support for Bolivia and his efforts to build a hopeful future for his people.

I congratulate all of you for the pledges of help you make to Bolivia today. In the months ahead, my government looks forward to working with you in support of the Bolivian government for the sake of the Bolivian people, for the sake of Bolivian democracy, and for the sake of the hemisphere.

Thank you.