WASHINGTON (AFP) — The United States on Monday called on all parties in Bolivia to launch a unity dialogue after voters resoundingly confirmed President Evo Morales's mandate but also strengthened opposition to his plans.
"We urge all parties to seize this opportunity to begin a frank dialogue to resolve outstanding issues and define a way forward that unites all Bolivians," State Department spokesman Robert Wood said, congratulating Bolivians for "conducting a peaceful, orderly referendum."
The United States, he said, supported the efforts of the Organization of American States, the Catholic Church, and the international community to facilitate the dialogue, and "stands ready to assist."
"We reiterate our support for Bolivia's unity and territorial integrity, and remain committed to be a good partner in Bolivia's journey to a more democratic, prosperous future," he said.
Morales was Monday ready to forge on with socialist change in his poor nation after Sunday's recall referendum, which gave him 63 percent of the vote according to unofficial results.
But it did nothing to break the political crisis pitting the left-wing president against conservative governors seeking autonomy for their gas-rich states, analysts said.
Those governors, in the low-lying eastern states of Santa Cruz, Tarija, Pando and Beni, also emerged from the referendum with strong votes bolstering their ambitions.
The only way to end the stalemate now was for Morales's government to start negotiating with the governors, the analysts said.
In his post-referendum victory speech late Sunday, Morales made a first step towards offering an olive branch by congratulating his foes on their wins, and calling on them to work with him.
But he also made it clear that he felt vindicated in pushing reforms that have already included taking state control of the gas and telecommunications industries as part of a broader program that would rewrite the constitution along socialist lines.
US-Bolivian relations are severely strained after Morales shot to prominence as a fierce opponent of US-backed efforts to criminalize commerce in coca leaves, the source of cocaine.
He has accused Washington of trying to foment a coup against him -- a charge denied by Washington.
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