Statement by the Bolivia Support Group

The following is a joint statement issued by Mexico and the United States, co-sponsors of the March 18 Bolivia Support Group Steering Committee meeting:

The Steering Committee of the Bolivia Support Group met in Washington, DC on March 18 to reiterate its financial, political, and diplomatic support for the Bolivian government and for economic growth and stability in Bolivia. Bolivian Minister of Economic Development, Xavier Nogales, outlined the Bolivian government's strategy to promote socioeconomic development.

The international community re-affirmed its unequivocal support for constitutional government in Bolivia and its commitment to work with the Bolivian government to help it address its fiscal needs.  Since the Bolivia Support Group Meeting on January 16, the international community has pledged more than $54 million in budgetary support for Bolivia.  This funding is contingent on a sound Bolivian fiscal program.  The Group urged all segments of Bolivian society to work with President Mesa to enact economic measures needed to ensure fiscal stability.

Furthermore, the Group noted that the upcoming donors group meeting will provide a valuable opportunity to discuss international and Bolivian efforts to accelerate implementation of projects to benefit the poor, increase growth, and create jobs.  All members of the Steering Committee recognized that solutions to the problems threatening Bolivian economic stability and development must come from Bolivians.

Countries participating in this meeting included Bolivia, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Spain, the Netherlands and the European Commission on behalf of the European Union, and the United States.  The World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) also participated.

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