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Peru calls home ambassador to Bolivia over Morales’s expressions

Peru recalled its ambassador to Bolivia, Frank Solano, due to Evo Morales's expressions about his Peruvian counterpart Alan García, informed today Peru’s Foreign Minister, José Antonio García Belaunde.

“Yes, I obviously called our ambassador to Bolivia”, said the Foreign Minister to a local radio program after being asked if Peru would take any actions after these expressions.

Morales questioned this week that some countries of the Andean Community of Nations (CAN) –in reference to Peru- give preference to a FTA that “break the integration of the Andean region” instead of taking priority on the bloc unity, and added that he has seen president García overweight and “not much anti-imperialist”.

The Foreign Minister said today that the comments made by Bolivian president make difficult a fluid relationship with Bolivia; although he mentioned that his major concern is the Bolivian leader's arguments to oppose trade agreements.

“It is complicated to have fluent bilateral relations with a president (as Evo Morales) that expresses excessive comments”, said García Belaunde.

García Belaunde said that beyond the unfortunate remarks, he is concerned regarding the main arguments of Morales to object the association agreements that countries sign, alleging these ones include public services and water privatization.

“Possibly, he might not have had enough time to read the FTA between Peru and US or any other FTA, and he has believed in a lie that someone else told him”, stated Peru’s chancellor.

News source: ANDINA

 | |

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• Art/Culture/History : Proposal to create Peru's Ministry of Culture to be finished by the end of 2008
• APEC PERU 2008 : APEC Economies to discuss solutions to global financial crisis

# CapitanDan says :
5 June, 2008 [ 20:00 ]

It is truly sad that Morales has chosen the way of Chavez to insult his counterparts in the Andean Community when they don't see eye to eye with his views. Garcia should be the bigger man and not even add to this insult by not responding. This is another reason for Peru to go it's own way.Chau

# Wolfgang Leander says :
5 June, 2008 [ 20:58 ]

Unfortunately, Mr. Morales makes at least 50% of the Bolivians feel deeply ashamed to have such an uncouth, totally ignorant, and offensive head of state. I am a Bolivian, and was in the beginning of president Morales' term cautiously optmistic about the future of this country. Not anymore.

# Splaktar says :
5 June, 2008 [ 23:00 ]

Sounds like a high school kid was elected president of Bolivia.  Spending too much time with Chavez I guess.

# Hugo Chavez says :
6 June, 2008 [ 07:45 ]

My lap puppy, errrrrr I mean my comrade Evo has done a wonderful job implementing all of his actions on his own with no help or no suggestions from me what so ever. With Olanta and Evo at my side, three brains adding up to one brain, errrrr I mean three brains adding up to three brains, we will futher implement drastic change all across South America with nationalization, errrr I mean education by insuring that all people that are in need will have a much brighter future than ever before.

# inkayupanqui says :
6 June, 2008 [ 09:04 ]

Juan Evo Morales is not even "pure" indian.  His name says it all.  He is pushing national pride based on cultural "pureness", even on youtube, in peruvian videos of the dances of Saya, Caporales, Morenada, Diablada, etc, brainwashed bolivians are constantly posting insults at us, acusing us of stealing "their folklore", that these dances are 100% Bolivian, not peruvian, when in reality they are bi-national, shared by both because the Altiplano people both share the same traditions and culture (not based on a political map).  You cannot even really see much difference between a peruvian from Puno or Juliaca and a Bolivian from La Paz.

I believe this gave birth when Juan Evo came to power because in order for him to unify his indigenous supporters from La Paz to the rest of the country, and to be able to push his image as the 1st "indigenous" president, while making bolivians think that they are the "original" andean people and superior to Peru, ignoring the fact that Peru is the center of Tahuantisuyo and millenarian in history, and share the folklore of the Titicaca region.  But I am tired of trying to talk sense to these cojudos because as the old saying goes:  Ignorance breeds Intolerance.

This has given birth to a generation of resentful bolivian youtubers who think they can damage Peru's image with defamation comments, as if that is going to make Bolivia be seen by the world as a "culturally superior" nation.

Could this be due to envy because of the prosperity of a brother country while the other is trapped by land and useless ideology?  Resentment?  There is no excuse for Bolivian false pride against Peru. Many bolivians now hate Peru and that is only going to make their landlocked situation worse.

What a tragedy and a joke at the same time.

# Wolfgang Leander says :
6 June, 2008 [ 09:24 ]

Inkayupanqui:

Envy and xenophobia is a very deeply ingrained cultural trait of many Bolivians, and it probably has a lot to do with the country's history - landlocked since 1879, politically by far the most instable nation in Latin America, also the poorest and least advanced country in the region.

Poor Bolivians! Let them think that with the first "indigenous" president they are on the verge of becoming an emerging and unstoppable force in Latin America - it makes them feel better about themselves.

The followers of Evo Morales believe that with allies like Chavez, Castro, Ahmadinejad, Ortega, and Correa Bolivians don't need the more civilized rest of the world to be on their side.

# Rice and sugar says :
6 June, 2008 [ 13:35 ]

My brothers the Bolivians: You need to read more books, educate yourselves. Don't drink too much beer, it only impairs your thinking.
Bolivians still live in "cheap soap opera". You have a silly anthem to the ocean: "one day we will recover the ocean that "belongs" to us". They still think they "play good soccer". You look a bit ignorant, not so long ago, one "Miss Bolivia" said that "the WEstern Bolivians" are "tall, speak English, and are of white descent". She was from Santa Cruz, right?
Bolivians swear they have the "best food" in the world, and the only "folklore" in SouthAmerica. Your ignorance is so romantic. I am not surprised with Evo's comments.

# Rice and sugar says :
6 June, 2008 [ 13:35 ]

My brothers the Bolivians: You need to read more books, educate yourselves. Don't drink too much beer, it only impairs your thinking.
Bolivians still live in "cheap soap opera". You have a silly anthem to the ocean: "one day we will recover the ocean that "belongs" to us". They still think they "play good soccer". You look a bit ignorant, not so long ago, one "Miss Bolivia" said that "the WEstern Bolivians" are "tall, speak English, and are of white descent". She was from Santa Cruz, right?
Bolivians swear they have the "best food" in the world, and the only "folklore" in SouthAmerica. Your ignorance is so romantic. I am not surprised with Evo's comments.

# inkayupanqui says :
6 June, 2008 [ 13:53 ]

Dear Wolfgang:

My best friend lives in La Paz, I have been to Bolivia and I consider it a beautiful place and very similar to Peru in many ways.  Since Manu was too expensive because of the high tourists demands, I chose to cross over to Bolivia to La Paz...then on to Apollo (entrance to Madidi), and it was incredible.  8 days of trekking through jungle and rafting the rapids of fresh glacier crystal pure drinkable water.  It was a good alternative to Manu and highly recommended. But, you must be in top fisical shape (very dangerous because there is no path, you have to make one with machetes) I almost got killed several times.  Great time with my Bolivian friend.  I tell you that I do not see a reason why all this recent animosity between brother countries, for I think of them as they once were, maybe even better if someday they would join, but more than likely won't because of politics and nacionalismo.  As it is, we cannot control so many injustices as things are now.  I have tried to make peace with these youtubers, but it is no use, they want to wage a war to make a folkloric autonomy of glory for Bolivia and to strip Peru of it's own.  So much so, that I even gave into their anger and started calling them names back.  So, hopefully there will be more unification than quarreling because there is no benefit to the latter.   Saludos paisano. 

# Wolfgang Leander says :
6 June, 2008 [ 15:07 ]

Inkayupanqui:

Simon Bolivar dreamt the impossible dream of a unity of the Latin American countries. Unfortunately, the history of regional caudillismo is a legacy of the Spanish colonialism the criollos have simply taken over when all these nations became independent in the 19th century. Caudillismo, this which so effectively hindered progress in Latin America, is still very much alive.

Contemporary caudillos are what they always were: quasi dictators such as Chavez, and to a lesser extent Evo Morales. Both are the products of rotten political systems that allowed gangsters in custom tailored suits to steal shamelessly.

Chavez, Morales are doing the same but since they represent the hitherto underprivileged, their followers don't mind to see them being as corrupt as their predecessors. The inner circle of the new caudillos are self-righteously convinced that they have the right to believe that now it's their turn ("ahora nos toca a nosotros").

The old elites find this, of course, utterly disgusting - but I suspect it is envy and not moral indignation that fills their hearts.  I know a lot of people in Latin America who question the 'convenience' of being governed by democrats, and call for the iron fist ("mano dura") in times of crisis.

What these people do no not understand is that democratic values have to be acquired the hard way (as it happened in North America and in Europe). You cannot simply teach democracy as any other subject - you have to live it.

We could talk obout these things endlessly. The history of Latin America is tragic - but then again, is that not the case of the history of mankind? Even paradise must have many defects...

# Moronales says :
6 June, 2008 [ 15:24 ]

I still find it incredible that a person with less than a 600 word vocabulary was elected president of that country.  But look at the people who voted for him....Evo impresses them with his loquacious ways.

# CapitanDan says :
6 June, 2008 [ 16:44 ]

Wolfgang , very well said, "Now if we could just all get along". Chau Friends

# Jet says :
7 June, 2008 [ 02:04 ]

I find it tragic that things should degenerate to this point between to countries which in reality should be the closest in South America. 

One thing comes to mind.  Living in the USA, one tends to associate either with people from their county of origin, or atleast with people from neighboring countries. 
Case in point - the local amatuer soccer meets. You can find them in any major city across the USA.   Although I do not participate in the sport, I often accompany friends there that are Peruvian. 
Inevitably you will also find Brazilians, Chileans, Argentians, and Ecuadoreans showing up for the same soccer meets.
It's quite interesting to see the inter-actions.  Usually the first thing the Chileans will say to the Peruvians once they find out where they are from is..."so you guys lost the war, no?" 
The Brazilians will talk to everyone about everything lol.  The Argentians, Ecuadoreans, and Bolivians also join in the conversations.
But here is the big difference.  When it comes down to picking teams.....usually there will only be 1 or 2 Bolvians there... and in the end, they usually say something along these lines "well between Chileans, Brazilians, Argentians, and Peruvians, we choose to go with the Peruvians."
It may just be an amateur soccer meet.... but it also says alot about the closeness of the people of these two countries that in reality, form a larger family which historically and culturally share more in common that they are different.
Peru and Bolivia should be the closest of allies and brothers in peace with eachother. 

At this point, even many Bolivians realise that Evo Morales is a bit off balance and every day is becoming more like his wacked-out puppet master - Hugo Chavez. 
I agree with CapitanDan here, in that I think the best thing Garcia can do with this is just ignore the rants of Morales.

On the other hand, what Peru, Garcia, and the Peruvian Congress need to take seriously is the political meddling by Bolivia and Venezuela in Peruvian affairs thru the casas alba and direct aid to terrorist/revolutionary groups within Peru. This is issue is a much bigger threat that most people realise and the one that deserves the most direct attention.  This will truely put to test the Garcia administration.  WHat I beleive his best approach would be one of "quiet engagement". That is... ignore the war of words, ignore the name calling, don't push Bolivia into a corner by adding fuel to the fire ie...recalling the ambassador etc..... and on the other side, direct what ever resources necessary to combat the outside meddling in Peru by the Morales/Chavez government. 
Chavez and Morales have now made it clear that they see Peru as the greatest sore spot in their side.  Yes Colombia is no friend to Chavez but with the US military in Colombia there is little Chavez can do there.
So that leaves Peru as the next domino to topple. 
Question is whether or not Garcia will do what is necessary to stop the threat from abroad before it has a chance to take root and spread?
Also, does Peru have the necessary resources to fight the enormous resources now available to mrta and sendero luminoso because of the drug cartels and Chavez petro dollars?  In this particular case Peru may have more to gain by bringing in help from outside seeing that the local terrorist groups are also receiving help from the outside.

# inkayupanqui says :
7 June, 2008 [ 10:10 ]

     I believe this is already taking place.  There are U.S. troops in Peru already.  Several hundreds or thousands.  Many in Ayacucho and perhaps more in Iquitos.  This is because of a "humanitarian" project.  But who knows if this is the real reason. 

I don't have a problem with U.S. troops being in Peru if it is for humanitarian aid, as it is claimed.  But why are they ARMED with weapons?

I agree that a counter-insurgency must be applied if Venezuela and Bolivia are sponsoring Sendero and MRTA.  And perhaps that is the reason why U.S. troops are slowly coming in with the excuse of "humanitarian aid", in order not to alarm the population, which is very anti-gringo.

Could this be what is going on? 

I'm not sure.  But if it's for humanitarian reasons, why U.S. soldiers and not the Red Cross?  If building structures for the poor are needed, why not UN engineers?  Why ARMED SOLDIERS on a peaceful humanitarian mission instead of Red Croos or the UN?

I do not want to see terrorism back in Peru and if the situation is that serious as to have to bring foreign troops to help, then we better be prepared for the worst, because (God forbid) the day that a U.S. troop is killed by an insurgent in Peru is when all hell will brake loose and we will probably have an occupation or permanent military base as a result.

I am not anti Marines, but the problem is that there is little done in prevention of abuses caused by what is their tainted legacy: Phedopilia.  In Japan they are not wanted anymore because of several cases of child and adolecent rapes.  This may not be the organization as a whole, but it definately destroys their integrity.  If even ONE case of this occurs in Peru, they should be severy disciplined or just dismissed.  Because in Peru, children are sacred and must be protected from this evil.  That is the main problem I see with foreign armed troops in Peru.

# moni says :
7 June, 2008 [ 10:48 ]

Oviously it is not new, Evo Morales is purely Inca descent, which is ignorant because first back to history, Peru got involved with a war with Chile so Bolivia can have a territory to the ocean, unfortunately because of helping Bolivia, Peru lost Tacna and Arica, now the retards as i say because Bolivia belong to Peru in the Tahuantinsuyo area which you all know if you search under wikipedia.org then you will understand, now retard Morales, Evo has a guidance from Chavez another retard which thinks going against peruvians and the others will help to unity, because their philosophy is they want to be as Castro. How stupid, i agree that everything in excess can lead to destruction but communism doesn't go anywhere, look up those countries as Romania, Hungary and Russia, and SLovakia, not even for millions or billions of dollars i will stay.

# moni says :
7 June, 2008 [ 10:48 ]

Oviously it is not new, Evo Morales is purely Inca descent, which is ignorant because first back to history, Peru got involved with a war with Chile so Bolivia can have a territory to the ocean, unfortunately because of helping Bolivia, Peru lost Tacna and Arica, now the retards as i say because Bolivia belong to Peru in the Tahuantinsuyo area which you all know if you search under wikipedia.org then you will understand, now retard Morales, Evo has a guidance from Chavez another retard which thinks going against peruvians and the others will help to unity, because their philosophy is they want to be as Castro. How stupid, i agree that everything in excess can lead to destruction but communism doesn't go anywhere, look up those countries as Romania, Hungary and Russia, and SLovakia, not even for millions or billions of dollars i will stay.

# moni says :
7 June, 2008 [ 11:00 ]

You are absolutely right, Peru is a big brother of Bolivia, it is just the fact that the ignorant Morales think that following Chavez and Chavez hates Garcia, it won't work, well, what can i tell you have you ever heard that your own shadow can betray you, i don't trust none only God and God gave me senses to analyze and think properly and not to be ignorant. Perfect example when Garcia was running the country in the 80's.

# CapitanDan says :
7 June, 2008 [ 11:32 ]

It's incredible that so many people from different countries can discuss this subject intelligently and come to many useful conclusions . When the leaders of our respective countries with all their advisers make some of the dumbest choices. I guess the old saying ,"Garbage in garbage Out", applies. As to Inkayupanqui , comment why not send the U.N.. Look at all these U.N. Peacekeepers from Africa that have raped, murdered in Haiti and in Africa. They are poorly trained, educated and paid. They just see this as an opportunity to exploit the people they are to help. I retired from the U.S. Marine Corps. Let me assure you this is a training mission to integrate the U.S. with the Peruvian Marines. I have been on Many of these missions from Bangladesh to Haiti and have never had any problems with the local people. As for armed. Most will not carry weapons. Only the security people will carry weapons and they will have a group of Peruvian Military assigned with them.After the First Gulf War my unit was on its way back to the U.S. when a terrible Cyclone destroyed Bangladesh. My unit with its helicopters were the first ones able to help the people . We flew many missions providing Food, Water and Medicine. Our Marines with the Navy built Hospitals and water purification facilities for the people and our Navy Doctors and Corpsman provided emergency medical treatment to the injured. I was gone two years helping people without a problem. The same will be done here in Peru. The Marines because they are Sea based can be deployed in many uses where ever there is a need and fast. Chau My Friends.

# Sur - 13 says :
7 June, 2008 [ 13:50 ]

Peru And Bolivia are brothers in the same struggle agianst the white man. Throw all white people out of our countries!! 187 pa todos los hueros basuros!! 13

# Wolfgang Leander says :
7 June, 2008 [ 14:19 ]

"Sur":

You are a coward (you disguise your real name behind a nickname), and an ignorant coward at that. I say "ignorant" to avoid a stronger, probably more appropriate adjective.

What makes you think that either Peru or Bolivia is "your" country?

I am Bolivian, white, and I consider this the place I want to live out my life in peace without harming anyone else. 

Now, who the f....g hell are you to deny me that basic right?

Am I telling you to go back to Mongolia, the country of origin of all the "originarios" of which you seem to be one?

# moni says :
7 June, 2008 [ 15:35 ]

guys i think this is getting ridiculous, you are right we cannot and discriminate white because i also have white on my blood but the point is Bolivia used to be alto Peru, Peru is a big brother of them. Now read wikipedia.com but this point doesn't have nothing to do with whites, blacks and mestizos, this point has to be with the countries to help each other for a better understanding, although Morales, i don't know if leading to Chavez will make a better Bolivia??? only God knows, but as long as its people is happy with it then there is no problem.It is getting out of hand about white, black and this and that, Peru is a multicultural country and we are proud, let's not change the subject with politics of the agreement and the relation between PEru and Bolivia. The fact is Peru helped Bolivia and Peru is not going to do nothing any longer to have access to the ocean, that's it. No question and no debate.!!!Proud to be Peruvian. Now how i look at Bolivia, personal opinion, it is la sierra as we have in our country, but Bolivians are part of Peru, why are we going to hate them, is like Norway and Denmark>>> they like each other, they undertand each other, and both countries speak their languages, but they respect each other, it is culturally related.

# Paul says :
7 June, 2008 [ 15:54 ]

Wolfgang, excellent commentary for sur-13 - you made the point -       although I am not quite sure if he is from Mongolia - I would say he is from La Paz

# moni says :
7 June, 2008 [ 16:26 ]

Morales is pushing so he wants to have Peru giving them a territory to have an entrance thru the ocean, but it is not going to happen, Garcia has to be strong minded and no, Peru LOST ARICA AND TACNA TO HELP BOLIVIA BECAUSE ENDED UP IN A WAR WITH CHILE. CHAVEZ IS A PSYCHO AND MORALES WANTS TO PUSH PERU TO THE EXTREME, PERU HAS TO HAVE PANTS ON AND BE DETERMINED AND SAY NO WAY, WHATEVER DECISION THEY WANT TO DO. I WILL BE GLAD IF OTHER TROOPS WILL BE THERE AND SEND CHAVEZ SOMEWHERE ELSE WITH HIS INFILTRATION OF DRUG CARTEL AND COMUNISM, PERU SUFFERED AND WE DON'T NEED IT, LEAVE PERUVIANS ALONE, STAY AWAY AND MORALES, NEED TO BE MORE INDEPENDENT AND STAY AWAY FROM CRAZY CHAVEZ, CHAVEZ WANTS TO BE FIDEL CASTRO AND DESTROY HIS PEOPLE. HE IS MENTALLY ILL. THE DRUG CARTEL HAVE TO STOP, JUST PUT THEM ALL IN JAIL AND CUT DOWN ALL OF THEM, BEFORE MRTA WILL GET INTO PERU.

# CapitanDan says :
7 June, 2008 [ 16:38 ]

Ah Wolfgang my friend do not let the ramblings of an emotionally disturbed person sully your character . Most people that use profanity and stupid racists rants to comment in a forum usually do this to mask their obvious insecurity and lack of intellectual aptitude . Take care ,Chau

# Wolfgang Leander says :
7 June, 2008 [ 17:09 ]

Hi Paul:

My point was that the so-called "campesinos' (= farmers, a most stupid euphemism for Indians), now self-styled as "originarios", meaning that they are the descenfdants of the ancestral inhabitants of the Americas, and by definition, 'rightful' owners of these lands, are NOT 'originarios' in the strict sense of the word, as they are ORIGINALLY from Mongolia.

You take a Bolivian 'originario' to Mongolia, and he will blend with the locals over there as I blend with Parisians in Paris, Berliners Berlin, Londoners in London.

Why do I make these superfluous comments? Because it is the 'originario' president now in charge of Bolivia who openly incites racial hatred, effectively dividing Bolivia between the good guys (the Indians) and the bad guys (the White oligarchic Trash, as I am sure Morales calls the whites and mestizos).

Morales' followers and some dreamers in Europe believe that Evo Morales should receive the Nobel prize. You find ignorance everywhere, not just in the Presidential palace in La Paz....

For this "Sur" character I am white piece of you know what. However, I would not consider him inferior because of his slanted eyes and darker skin.

"Sur" is a faithful follower of Morales, and by extension of the tropical dictator who is diligently destroying his country. That is what makes Sur an adversary of mine, not the silly blood thing he as a perfect simpleton apparently believes in.

"Chavez manda, Evo cumple" is the most common graffitti you find on walls these days in Bolivisan cities. Morales is a puppet of Chavez, and as such will bring down Bolivia to the level of the most miserable countries in Africa, unless, of course a growing opposition within the populayion will stop him in the process.

Inmidst all the uncertainty about the future of Bolivia there is hope: The eastern departments of Bolivia have recently conducted autonomy referenda, and the outcome was a forceful slap in the face of Morales: Over 80 % of the voters were in favor of the autonomy that has become an eloquent expression of rejection of Morales and his politics.

Look at your country: It is prospering; that would certainly not be the case if you had the 'semi-originario' Humala Ollanta running Peru.

# Johnnie 0 says :
7 June, 2008 [ 19:47 ]

two thumbs up for Wolf Leander!

# SUR says :
8 June, 2008 [ 11:28 ]

Wolfgang

The white man has been in our countries and destroyed it since they kame. I hope that u and the rest of ur family leave. Just look at africa and how the white man is getting kicked out. Time is up and yea I kan kall Bolivia and Peru for my kountry. We are the the mayority and  the blood of this land. U may think u are bolivian, but in fact u are european.

U kan go back to europe were u belong.Time will show how we will take back what is ours.

Bolivia and Peru?? we are all one...it was the white man that made the borders!! Propaganda has brainwashes so many for years. If u are white u are not welcome. SUR 13

# moni says :
8 June, 2008 [ 12:09 ]

First of, a kind of I understand your resentment but it is true the conquistadores did what they did but if they wouldn't get there, we would of not being who we are now. Now, i thought that this site is for peruvians and people who live in Peru, my phylosophy if you don't like Peru just go somewhere else but don't expect people will kiss your bud because wherever I go i made it sure I respect the country and I don't disrespect any other country.

# Johnnie O says :
8 June, 2008 [ 12:25 ]

SUR13 is a strange breed, that prizes misery and ignorance over prosperity and knowledge,prefers a fascist 
racial and xenopobic view and wants the "whities" kicked out of
Bolivia. What happens if the "whities" decide to deport  all the mestizos from Spain and the USA? 
The only thing sure is that the misery and ignorance will remain even with all the new knowledge arriving  back to Bolivia. The blood of the land is over valued! Please raise your GDP and per capita income. "It's the economy , Stupid!"

# Johnnie O says :
8 June, 2008 [ 12:25 ]

SUR13 is a strange breed, that prizes misery and ignorance over prosperity and knowledge,prefers a fascist 
racial and xenopobic view and wants the "whities" kicked out of
Bolivia. What happens if the "whities" decide to deport  all the mestizos from Spain and the USA? 
The only thing sure is that the misery and ignorance will remain even with all the new knowledge arriving  back to Bolivia. The blood of the land is over valued! Please raise your GDP and per capita income. "It's the economy , Stupid!"

# Wolfgang Leander says :
8 June, 2008 [ 12:29 ]

Sur:

Unfortunately, you are a racist, and full of hate - not a good basis at all to discuss these matters.

You are right, I am Bolivian "only" because I was born in this country 67 years ago to German parents. But whether you like it or not: I love Bolivia and I will stay - I will not bother you, and folks like you don't bother me.

You belong to the 'majority' of what you call Peru-Bolivia in ethnical terms. However, with your venomous resentment against the 'whites' and the values of the Western civilization which you do not seem to know at all, you are part of a tiny, radicalized minority.

I know how ruthlessly the Spanish conquerors behaved when they came to the Americas, and after the lands were colonized by them, and I certainly don't feel good, much less proud, about this shameful episode of mankind's history. History should never ne judged by contemporary standards, at least not exclusively. European renaissance men were very different from today's Europeans - if we just look at Europe.

But if you believe that the Incas and Aztecs, to name just the largest empire builders in the 14th and 15th centuries, were noble and benevolent 'races', you are very, very wrong. When they conquered lands to incease their power base, they crushed local resistance attempts brutally.

The practice of human sacrifice at an normous scale was part of the culture of the Mexicas, as you probably know.

In Ecuador there is a lake called "Yahuarcocha" (= Lake of Blood). As the advancing Inca conquerors met resistance by the people who lived around that area, they mercilessly rounded up and slaughtered thousands of civilians and dumped their bodies into the lake which turned completely red, hence the name it was then given.

If you are concerned the future of your country (Peru or Bolivia), don't look back - you cannot change the events of the past  but you can actively and exemplarily contribute to building a society that will unite, not divide.

One last comment on the concept of 'race'  -  there is no such thing as a 'pure' race. This fallacy which is based on a common human trait called "xenophobia"  is a myth and a conveninet pretext to discriminate the 'other'. The 'other' has always been the 'barbarian', at all times and everywhere.

We all, you, me, and the rest of humanity are all of 'mixed race' we are ALL mestizos.

# Give Me A Break says :
8 June, 2008 [ 14:40 ]

Oh My God, someone dared to criticize Garcia. I didn't know Garcia was some sacrosanct indiviual who couldn't be criticized. Looks like Garcia is like Bush in more ways than one and alot of Peruvians are as backward as the hick trash in the USA.

# moni says :
8 June, 2008 [ 14:53 ]

Hey Wolf,
I understand you are Bolivian as i have many friends who are half german and peruvian mom, now i lived in Germany and Germany was good to me, why all of this has to be leading to racism, why do you take it so hard. It is not your fault to be white and if you are Bolivian who cares what the other ones say, you have to understand sometimes it is better to keep quiet don't take it serious, if you are native Bolivian be proud of it, my kids are not peruvian born they are american born live here all of their lives, but we have a home in Peru and i lived in the andes and the coast also i understand the problem over there, now it gets complicated my children also have Norwegian passport so they are european by blood too. Europe is a magnificient and historic continent and I loved it, now if you ask me where to live i would love to retire in Peru because I would like to but my ideas will never be the same as my children regardless that i am an educated woman, yeah, i have been a tourist guide all over Peru therefore i had a chance to understand the real life in Peru, there were problems all the time, terrorism, govermment corruption, people get tired of it therefore we have to understand things that they live day after day, listen via you tube.com cholo soy de Abanto Morales and reality it is the true what happen and happens in nowdays in many parts of the unforgotten peruvians and maybe bolivians. I cannot speak up for Bolivians because I haven't lived there and to me you have to live there to know what is cooking not just visiting and reading and assuming!!! Wolfgang take it easy, German friends are and they are excellent, my stay is Nurenberg Erlanger university was awesome. One thing i know I thank God for giving me a chance to explore and study in Europe and I traveled as an student in Europe, many would of love to have a chance but then you become broad and guess what, love Austria, Switzerland and Germany. Hopefully, you should of visit there. Sprechen sie deutch?? ich erinnere mich einbischen Deutch und Deutchland is interessant land. Prost. Salud!!!ja,ja, ja.

# danidanado says :
8 June, 2008 [ 17:39 ]

Have to object to Sur 13.  I love Peru more than you do.  Not leaving. Get a life or go hump a stump!

# Sur 13 says :
8 June, 2008 [ 18:09 ]

I am looking forward..a Peru and Bolivia sin white people. Things need too change..the afircan countries have understood and so are the real Peruvians and Bolivians.The last years we have seen Evo Morales been elected. And the last Peruvian presidentAlejandro Toledo before the (thief Garcia, which was rigged by the states, with help from the white elite such as ur self) that in fact we do not need u in our countries.The white man is on land that was stolen and that is a fact. I am not full of hate I have notting agianst white people in europe.Evene thought they are turing more racist for everyday and especially germany..which is ur kountry.If I move to china wit my peruvian or bolivian wife..my kids arent chinesse for that reason, Idenity is mucho more then were u happend to become born. And that is what u are saying. Because by Raza u are not Bolivian or Peruvian.

I am glad that u know ur history about our kulture and our lands. Maybe u should study ur own history talking about racism....the only german words I know is sieg heil and heil hitler so enugh is said/


And to the other guy...that is what is happening. Europe and the States are staring to deport more and more people. Maybe u have not heard about the term "kastle europe" or the "silent invasion" or "Euroabia" . And u are taking about the economical situation? well who owns most in the kountries of Peru or Bolivia? the white man. so the white man needs to leave.

The white man's time is over. SUR13 Rifando Lrza 13

# Alberto says :
8 June, 2008 [ 18:50 ]

Do not worry in Peru there is not such thing as "whites" but mestisos and renegades pretending to be 'whites"

# moni says :
8 June, 2008 [ 19:05 ]

It is scary you sound as terorrists or as chavez, Peru doesn't want any terrucos we got rid of them and we don't want no communism, i don't know who you are but the comments of white is ridiculous, what the hell are you talking about?>?? Peru will never be as chavez. You sound scary as los terrucos o Humala, leave Wolf alone,don't blame the govermment blame yourself what does the race has to do with this??? Please, you sound more as resentful, terruco or terrorrist follower of Chavez, Peru doesn't need Chavez neither the psycho Humala who received money for his presidency. You want to be in charge so you can destroy the country, right???? no at least we have freedom and peruvians who doesn't want to say no to things and to stop having babies and blame the govermment, be enough men and the women to be enough women not to reproduce but to have surgery if it is necessary, you are really scary you sound more terruco than anything else. Get a life,don't blame the govermment, as many of us did,work hard in life to be ahead but don't blame someone else!!! because of your frustration as many that exist in our country!!!! Do something and be succesful!!!

# Rice and sugar says :
9 June, 2008 [ 09:16 ]

As a Peruvian married to a Bolivian, I have to say, I got to know the Bolivians well. Few Bolivians read books - don't they have one of the most illiterate  populations in South America? The most illiterates are of course those of indigenous descent, but their poverty, hunger and the discrimination they suffer explains and justifies their lack of education.
What I find unforgivable is the ignorance of the "whites - sangre azul" in Santa Cruz: these are the ones I know best. They are wealthy - most of them in the cattle business- but they are the most racist, illiterate, abusive people in Bolivia. It is amazing their level of ignorance. Not one book read! But they brag about "their profitable, rich land of Santa Cruz. One of these heavily red-meat eaters, "cambas" as they call themselves told me once that the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic ocean meet in Brazil by Sao Paolo, and that she had been there to see "where the two oceans meet". Another Camba told me that the shoe company "Bata" is original from Santa Cruz, Bolivia. In Peruvian Spanish, we say "toronja" when we refer to grapefruit, the Santa Cruz whites call it "grei..". A few years ago, they had a Miss Bolivia from Santa Cruz, and she said well...she was from the "Western side of Bolivia, where they are white, tall and speak English". These whites hate Evo Morales of course, and they say that Evo is stupid because "es un indio de Mier..."

# danidanado says :
9 June, 2008 [ 15:34 ]

I feel sorry for people of sur 13's political ideology.  They are doomed to fail, and fail miserably.  Racism is a terrible thing, no matter which side is doing it.  Racism is ignorance and unrealistic.  It may take another generation or two but I believe eventually education will give peace a chance.