Guadalajara -
On International Workers' Day in La Paz, Bolivian president Evo Morales announced that he will expel the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), alleging that it has engaged in unspecified conspiracies against his nation.
Today was not the first time Morales has complained about American officials and activities in his country (Morales threatens to close U.S. embassy in Bolivia). During public festivities in honor of workers worldwide, the president mentioned with annoyance new U.S. secretary of state John Kerry, who, according to Morales, has referred to Latin America as "the back patio of the United States."
"There's no shortage of American agencies which are involved in conspiracies, and therefore we've decided to expel USAID," Morales told the May Day crowd. "Mr. Choquehuanca (Bolivia's Foreign Minister), you will communicate this decision immediately to the United States embassy."
In late 2008 Morales threw out the U.S. ambassador to Bolivia, and soon after the assigned DEA attaché. Relations between the two countries remain chilly (Hugo Chávez' cancer was caused by "imperialist poisoning," alleges Bolivian president Evo Morales).
Latin leaders have often accused USAID of fomenting dissension in their countries, charging that it focuses as much on political intrigue and international skulduggery as on development matters.
Last year former Maryland resident Alan Gross, who is serving a 15 year prison sentence in Havana for smuggling electronic contraband onto the island and other anti-state crimes, made similar claims against the agency in a federal court lawsuit filed in Washington.
Gross was hired in 2008 by Development Alternatives, Inc., a Maryland firm which is a highly paid contractor for USAID. The company had been retained by USAID to promote "democracy building" projects in Cuba, and in turn subcontracted the work to Gross. He was arrested in early December 2009 after multiple trips to the Castro-run island. A former CIA agent alleged in 2011 that Gross was paid $500,000 for the mission.
Gross was tried by a Cuban criminal court in March 2011, accused of bringing in concealed electronic equipment, computer peripherals and satellite phones in violation of the island's strict laws on such items. Gross told the judges he was merely a "humanitarian aid worker" trying to help the country's small Jewish community. But a lengthy Associated Press investigation, including a review of Gross' communications with Development Alternatives, the general contractor, suggested he was fully aware that his conduct was illegal and dangerous. Alan Gross knew USAID mission was illegal and lied to Cuban authorities, Miami newspaper reports indicate.
The lawsuit filed by Gross and his wife last year confirmed many of the AP findings. Alan Gross sues U.S. government and "subversion" contractor, claiming he was deceived about Cuba gig. Today Gross remains in a Havana jail cell, more than three years after his detention. Repeated American demands for his release have gone nowhere. Barack Obama should free Alan Gross.
According to an encyclopedic source, "USAID was created by executive order in 1961 by president John F. Kennedy to implement development assistance programs in the areas authorized by the Congress in the Foreign Assistance Act. The Congress updates this authorization through annual funds appropriation acts, and other legislation. Although technically an independent federal agency, USAID operates subject to the foreign policy guidance of the President, Secretary of State, and the National Security Council. USAID's Administrator works under the direct authority and foreign policy guidance of the Secretary of State."
July 2 - U.S. likely to have more troubles with Bolivia, after aircraft carrying Morales is forced down
May 3, 2013 - Miami Five member René González can stay in Cuba - if he renounces citizenship
Sept. 19, 2011 - Bolivia's Evo Morales condemns United States at Havana ceremony
© MGRR 2013. All rights reserved. This article may be cited or briefly quoted with proper attribution or a hyperlink, but not reproduced without permission.
No comments:
Post a Comment