The opposition between the government of Bolivia and the rebels, who organized riots in several provinces of the nation, ended with the victory of La Paz. One of the separatist leaders, Leopoldo Fernandez, who was accused of organizing the bloody clashes, was arrested.
The leaders of eight leading countries of South America supported Bolivia’s President Evo Morales during an emergency summit devoted to the Bolivian problems.
Analysts say that the events marked the failure of the US-led politics in Latin America. They say that Hugo Chavez, the President of Venezuela, who heads the anti-American bloc, has virtually become the leader of the continent, which automatically strengthens Russia’s influence in the region.
The reaction of Brazil was understandable. This country depends on the shipments of the Bolivian gas. Like Argentina, Brazil announced its support for the actions of the legally elected president of Bolivia. The nearest allies of the Bolivian leader, representatives of ALBA, a regional organization, expressed a similar point of view on the matter.
The events mark the failure of the strategy of the White House in the region that was hoping for a split between Brazil on the one hand and Venezuela on the other hand. South America stands together for the first time since the times of Simone Bolivar. Hugo Chavez has won. Scientists of politics say that the region does not want to see the USA as the guarantor of its regional stability anymore. It is not ruled out that this role will be handed over to Russia, if Venezuela wishes for it.
The Russian Federation has been actively cooperating with Venezuela in the defense industry during the recent several years. One may say that such practice will soon be expanded onto other countries of the region which position themselves as Venezuela’s allies.
The two countries have been developing cooperation in the civil field as well. Russian state-run corporations will soon launch shipments of up-to-date technologies in the field of oil processing, space communication and modern navigation systems.
If the projects become real, Russia will obtain a technological platform in close proximity to the USA. Moreover, the platform will appear in the region, which has been traditionally considered the zone of Washington’s absolute control.
It goes without saying that the US administration is not going to give up. Washington will take efforts to retrieve its influence in Latin America. Chavez is perfectly aware of that, which explains his increased attention to contacts with Moscow.
Subscribe to Pravda.Ru Telegram channel, Facebook, RSS!