The Chilean government considered “unacceptable” the fact that Bolivia submits its historical claim to have an outlet to the sea before international courts in order to defend Bolivian sovereignty rights.
Chilean chancellor Alfredo Moreno, said “it is unacceptable that a country abandons treaties in force due to a change of internal regulations. These [treaties] are the fundaments of peace”. The Bolivian reformed constitution states since 2009 “a maritime claim that pretends to return the current state of things to what were before 1904”.
Moreno considered 1904’s treaty is honoured by the Chilean government and that it “improves” Bolivia’s access to the sea.
In 1904, Chile and Bolivia signed the Peace and Friendship Treaty which establishes both nations’ frontiers. The treaty was created after the war that confronted Chile and Bolivia.
Last week, Bolivian president Evo Morales reiterated his claim for a sovereign outlet to the Pacific Ocean. Morales assured it was a constitutional claim and part of the Bolivian people’s needs. These allegations were made in the 132 anniversary of Bolivia’s 400 km cost loss to Chile.
Morales pointed out that “the popularly approved constitution clearly states the maritime vindication as a fundamental issue in the country’s international politics”. The president considered the international courts as the suitable place to demand what is Bolivian by right.
The Pacific War, in which Bolivia lost its outlet to the sea, took place between 1879 and 1884 involving Chile, Bolivia and Perú. It was caused by mineral-trade disputes.
Story courtesy of Agencia Púlsar, the news agency of AMARC-ALC
