Esteemed friend, brothers and sisters: After hearing of the happy ending to the prolonged crisis experienced by Bolivia during the last weeks, I wish to join in the hope that is opened with the restitution of peace and the cessation of the unacceptable acts of violence with which, for so many days, the State responded to the legitimate mobilization of indigenous peoples and the citizenry, in defense of the national patrimony, dignity and democratic liberties. I praise the fact that the first commitment assumed by the new government has been to say that NEVER AGAIN will that be the means used to resolve differences. I further salute their willingness to listen to the people and to take on fraternal dialogue with all sectors. This will be the principal political capital providing a foundation for a process that, however transitory and fragile, can turn the history of that suffering heart of the Continent toward fairness, inclusion, and respect for its majorities and diversity, things that until now have been denied, setting the solid foundation that the building of a new State requires. Life has taught me that, in the midst of pain, the people cannot stop dreaming or recognizing the opportunities that open to them. I think that is the deep meaning of this singular moment opened with the bloodshed and sacrifice of Bolivians. Thus, I implore the new government to be faithful to this directive and to the popular leaders, the political parties and the social organizations to join forces to leave behind the shameful path of exclusion, discrimination and racism that have until now usurped democracy. Make use of this opportunity to advance in this challenge, without sterile maxims or the intolerance that only rekindles conflict. Today more than ever, the global and continental stage is marked by impositions and disregard of the right of the people to define their destiny. The breach between the powerful and the disinherited has done nothing but grow, fed by unilateral policies imposed by the de facto powers, disregarding the international order created to make a peaceful world possible. Nevertheless, the struggle of the people has not lessened in their anticipation of opening new and creative paths that will nourish hope. And only where unity has been possible has victory been possible. The expectation and recognition that have accompanied the cause of indigenous Bolivians in the world is again a beacon of pride for the indigenous peoples of the world. I cherish, then, the lesson once again given to us by the unyielding struggle of the Bolivian people and I humbly place myself at the disposal of the search for intercultural understanding, the construction of a new democracy and the forging of consensuses that will sustain progress, wellbeing and happiness of those people who have done everything to deserve them. With fraternal appreciation, Rigoberta Menchu Tum
Nobel Peace Prize Recipient * Translated for americas.org by Tim Hart.