The Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ricardo Merlo, received, at his request and by delegation from Minister Di Maio, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bolivia, Carmen Almendras, at the Farnesina.
The Undersecretary listened to the description provided by the Deputy Minister of the unrest and protests that occurred in Bolivia after the elections of 20 October last. Merlo emphasized the need for dialogue and the need to avoid any further violence both by the protesters and by the police. “Italy” – said Merlo – “appreciates the invitation addressed by the Bolivian government to the OAS (Organization of American States) to undertake a new mission to audit the election results and asks that the mission, currently underway, be given the broadest possible access to all data and that it be ensured full collaboration in order to dispel any doubts about the credibility of the electoral process”.
“It is essential” – continued the Under-Secretary – “that both the government and the opposition respect the outcome of the mission and the indications it will offer”. Italy has also provided a financial contribution in support of this new audit mission, which includes an Italian citizenship expert among its members.
