Two Kings and a Queen, Uniting América

One of several newspapers in Chile, El Mercurio provides an insight on Bachelet’s historic visit to Bolivia. Arica and Iquique are in the very northern part of Chile, bordering Bolivia. As in Argentina, the flow of Bolivian immigrants has met mixed feelings in the region. Bachelet’s visit may be a step toward a wider acceptance of these immigrant communities. On average, the Chilean standard of living far exceeds that of Bolivia. In awe last May, I experienced the Chilean suburban life just outside the capital in Santiago—neat white houses, picket fences, sidewalks and two-car garages.

From: http://www.emol.com/noticias/internacional/detalle/detallenoticias.asp?idnoticia=285534

Transcontinental highway will unite Brazil-Bolivia-Chile through La Paz

Sunday, December 16, 2007
22:22

La Paz—By 2009 a transcontinental highway will unite Brazil, Bolivia and Chile. Today the presidents Luiz Inácio da Silva [Brazil], Michelle Bachelet [Chile] and Evo Morales [Bolivia] met in the Palacio Quemado to sign an agreement known as the “Declaration of La Paz.” The three leaders underlined the importance of the La Paz reunion, confirming the political will to develop these countries and integrate their economies into the global market.

The paved highway will permit the transport of two million tons per year from the Brazilian port of Santos through Bolivia and into the ports of Arica and Iquique in Chile. The highway will cross the continent from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

The Bolivian minister of Public Works, José Kinn, explained that currently 75 percent of the highway is paved. The importance of the project, he said, is to link these countries and promote international business.

Chile will invest $36.9 million US dollars to improve the 119-mile highway between Arica and the Bolivian town of Tambo Quemado. Another $56.3 million will go to the 134-mile stretch between Iquique and Pisiga in Bolivia [http://www.spanishcourses.info/db/Paises/Fotos/cl_Mapa.gif].

On the other hand, the Bolivian government will invest $78 million US dollars for the Pisiga-Oruro connection and raise a credit of $260 million for a section in Santa Cruz, between San Matías and Concepción.

Brazil will lay down $132.8 million US dollars to improve two sections totaling 1,568 miles, from Santos to the border of Bolivia.


“Bolivia remains at the center of America. For this reason, the integration begins here,” described Lula. The “Declaration of La Paz” contains three goals, including the development of tourism in the Pantanal zone between Brazil and Bolivia, in the Salar de Uyuni, and in the desert of Atacama.

The host Morales took advantage of the historic presence of Chilean Bachelet to emphasize “the building of mutual trust between governments.”

Bachelet said she was swept away by her reception in El Alto and La Paz. She responded, “Jallalla,” in native Aymara, “Forward. This is the force of our people.”

The Brazilian Minister of Justice, Tarso Genro, fainted during the ceremony, interrupting Morales’ speech. A medical team attended to him.

After dinner, President Bachelet returned to Santiago [Chile], while Lula will remain until tomorrow. The Brazilian president outlined a busy schedule in La Paz, including a soccer match against Morales’ team.

All errors and interpretations are mine. Please comment!