Bolivia coup proof of fragile democracy in the Americas: US official
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Richard Verma condemns the unlawful deployment of military forces in Bolivia.
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Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma speaks at an event with first lady Jill Biden for the 2023 International Medal of Arts, in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023 (AP)
The United States Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, Richard Verma, told Al Mayadeen that the events unfolding in Bolivia are proof that "democracy is still fragile in the Western Hemisphere."
Verma strongly condemned the illegal deployment of army units in Bolivia, as well as any attempt to disrupt the constitutional order.
The coup attempt in Bolivia failed upon the withdrawal of the military forces from La Paz and the arrest of coup plotter and former Commander-in-Chief Juan Jose Zuniga.
Bolivia celebrates
Supporters of Bolivian President Luis Arce gathered at Murillo Square in La Paz on Wednesday, celebrating the withdrawal of military forces involved in the attempted coup.
The show of support came as President Arce, accompanied by Vice President David Choquehuanca, greeted the crowd from the balcony of the presidential palace, which had been targeted by the military earlier in the day.
Bolivia TV reported that dozens of people assembled at the square, chanting pro-Arce slogans. "Long live democracy! We want to celebrate the bravery of the Bolivian people who have gathered at the square," President Arce declared.
Videos shared on social media showed heavily armed soldiers and armored vehicles gathering in La Paz's Plaza Murillo, the central hub of Bolivia's capital, where key government buildings are situated.
President Arce denounced the events as a coup attempt and emphasized the need to uphold democratic principles. In response to the crisis, Arce appointed new heads of the military, air force, and navy.
