External interest in Bolivia resources continues despite coup attempt
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Bolivian Defense Minister Edmundo Novillo likewise suggested a week ago in an interview with Sputnik that external factors may have fueled the coup attempt, driven by certain countries' ambitions to exploit Bolivia's resources.
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Bolivia's President Luis Arce speaks during an interview at the government palace, in La Paz, Bolivia, Friday, June 28, 2024. (AP)
Despite the failed coup attempt, outside forces continue to covet Bolivia's natural resources, Bolivian President Luis Arce told Sputnik on Thursday.
"The interest in our natural resources has not disappeared, we must stay vigilant, that's the lesson. This is what we are telling various social organizations, so that they would stay vigilant because the interest in controlling our resources remains," Arce said.
Following the coup attempt, the Bolivian government will not remain passive but will instead continue working diligently to address numerous pressing tasks, Acre noted.
Bolivian Defense Minister Edmundo Novillo likewise suggested a week ago in an interview with Sputnik that external factors may have fueled the coup attempt, driven by certain countries' ambitions to exploit Bolivia's resources.
Read more: Bolivian President denies conspiracy, collusion in failed coup
On June 26, in Bolivia's administrative capital La Paz, the military, under the leadership of former Commander-in-Chief Gen. Juan Jose Zuniga, assembled on the central square and attempted to breach the presidential palace.
Videos shared on social media showed heavily armed soldiers and armored vehicles gathering in La Paz's central Plaza Murillo.
"The three chiefs of the armed forces have come to express our dismay. There will be a new cabinet of ministers, surely things will change, but our country cannot continue like this any longer," Zuniga told a local TV station.
President Arce who was present in the palace during the incident addressed the nation, labeling the events as a coup attempt.
In response, a new army command was established, directing the military to vacate the square, which they ultimately did.
Zuniga was subsequently arrested later that day.
Read more: Bolivia rejects Argentina's accusations of faking coup
On June 27, the Bolivian Prosecutor's Office announced the initiation of criminal investigations against Zuniga and other individuals involved in the coup attempt.
"The prosecutor general has instructed that a criminal investigation against General Juan Jose Zuniga and other participants in the action be launched," the office stated.
According to the director of Al Mayadeen Español, General Zuniga was arrested shortly after.
