Ambassador calls expulsion a "sad moment" in U.S.-Bolivian relations
By James Bosworth September 18, 2008
Ambassador Philip Goldberg, who was recently declared persona non grata by the Bolivian government, said his expulsion was a "sad moment" in U.S.-Bolivian relations. Goldberg spoke during a media roundtable at the Inter-American Dialogue on September 18, 2008.
Goldberg described his expulsion as ambassador as "sudden," but also listed off a series of events that had strained U.S.-Bolivian relations during his two years as ambassador, from accusations the first day he presented his credentials to Bolivian government-supported protests at the embassy to the removal of DEA and USAID personnel from coca producing regions.
Discussing bilateral relations in general, the ambassador said that the
Bolivian government used the United States as a way to distract from
the internal situation. Goldberg alluded to the problematic influence
of Venezuelan President Chavez as he described the international
situation in the region. He also said Bolivia's deepening political
relations with Iran are a concern for the United States.
Responding to questions from the media, Goldberg indicated that the
United States is reevaluating its relations with Bolivia. While he
stressed that Congress ultimately has the authority to determine
whether trade preferences under ATPDEA are renewed, he left open the
question of what course of action the administration will recommend.
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Ambassador Philip Goldberg, who was recently declared persona non grata by the Bolivian government, said his expulsion was a "sad moment" in U.S.-Bolivian relations. Goldberg spoke during a media roundtable at the Inter-American Dialogue on September 18, 2008.