13 Shield of the Americas Members Condemn Bolivia Blockades as Protests Disrupt Fuel and Medical Supplies
Updated
Updated · Department of State · May 21
13 Shield of the Americas Members Condemn Bolivia Blockades as Protests Disrupt Fuel and Medical Supplies
13 articles · Updated · Department of State · May 21
A 13-country Shield of the Americas statement backed Bolivia's government and denounced protests and road blockades it said are aimed at subverting constitutional order.
The group said the blockades are preventing fuel and medical supplies from reaching many Bolivians, framing the unrest as a public-order and humanitarian threat.
President Rodrigo Paz's government won explicit regional support, with members saying authorities have a legitimate interest in lawfully protecting order when protests turn violent.
The statement also linked any attempt to topple elected leaders in the hemisphere to support from criminals and drug traffickers, while noting member states are already providing humanitarian aid to Bolivia.
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