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By Matthew Russell Lee, CJR PFT NY Post

NEW YORK CITY, Nov 11 – After trying to extend term limits and then to avoid a run off, on November 10 Evo Morales' run in Bolivia came to an end with his resignation. He and vice president Garcia flew to Cochabamba.

  Now with UN Sec-Gen Antonio Guterres having been missing in action for two days, on the way to meet dictators such as Cameroon's 37 year "president" Paul Biya in Paris, issued back to back empty statements through his censoring spokesman Stephane "French Whine" Dujarric in New York, the second one moving on from Evo, not even mentioning him. The first: "The Secretary-General remains deeply concerned about the situation in Bolivia and takes note of recent developments, including the resignation of President Evo Morales.     The Secretary-General urges all concerned to refrain from violence, reduce tension and exercise maximum restraint. He calls on all actors to abide by international law, notably fundamental human rights principles.     The Secretary-General also appeals to all actors to commit to achieving a peaceful resolution of the current crisis and to ensuring transparent and credible elections.     Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General  New York, 10 November 2019."

The second: "In light of continued worrisome developments in Bolivia, the Secretary-General reiterates his appeal to all Bolivians to refrain from violence and to the authorities to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, government officials and foreign nationals. He also calls for respect for state and local institutions, as well as the inviolability of diplomatic missions.     Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General  New York, 10 November 2019." Between the lines, is Guterres says, See ya Evo, maybe we can get you some of that Gulbenian Foundation moeny sought by trying to sell oil company to China. More B.S. for Guterres.

 Meanwhile a much longer serving "president," Paul Biya in Cameroon, continues to kill to stay in power, cheered on by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres who smiling took Biya's golden statue. Now the two are set to meet in Paris: colonial FrancAfrique.

Earlier in the day on the situation in Bolivia, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on November 10 said, "We commend the professional work of the Organization of American States (OAS) technical mission which found numerous troubling irregularities with Bolivia’s October 20 elections.  We fully support the OAS and Bolivian calls for new elections and a new Electoral Tribunal that can ensure free and fair elections that reflect the will of the Bolivian people.  In order to restore credibility to the electoral process, all government officials and officials of any political organizations implicated in the flawed October 20 elections should step aside from the electoral process.  We urge the OAS to send a mission to Bolivia to oversee the new electoral process and to ensure that the new Electoral Tribunal is truly independent and reflects a broad swath of Bolivian society.  The Bolivian people deserve free and fair elections.  We call on everyone to refrain from violence during this tense time and we will continue to work with our international partners to ensure that Bolivia’s democracy endures." Bolivia was among the more interesting UN Security Council members of late, but did nothing to stand up to Guterres - we'll have more on this.

Argentina is deeply embroiled with the the International Monetary Fund, about which Inner City Press has repeatedly asked the IMF, see below. On October 28 from US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, this: "We congratulate the people of Argentina on holding successful presidential elections on October 27 and stand ready to work with Alberto Fernandez as the new President of Argentina to address the interests our countries share.  The United States and Argentina enjoy a long-standing and mutually respectful partnership, which has benefited both nations and is testimony to our many shared democratic values and priorities.  We look forward to working with the Fernandez administration to promote regional security, prosperity, and rule-of-law." We'll have more on this.

When the IMF held its biweekly embargoed media briefing on July 25, Inner City Press submitted five questions including on Jamaica and Lebanon which the IMF answered, see below. On August 28 on Argentina the IMF spokesperson Gerry Rice said, "International Monetary Fund Chief Spokesperson Gerry Rice made the following statement on Argentina today:  “An IMF staff team led by Mr. Roberto Cardarelli is returning to Washington today as previously scheduled. The team held productive talks with Finance Minister Hernán Lacunza, and BCRA President Guido Sandleris and their respective teams. IMF staff also met with Mr. Alberto Fernández and members of his economic team to exchange views on the Argentine economy.  “Regarding the debt operation announced by the Argentine authorities today, Fund staff is in the process of analyzing them and assessing their impact. Staff understands that the authorities have taken these important steps to address liquidity needs and safeguard reserves.  “Staff will remain in close contact with the authorities in the period ahead and the Fund will continue to stand with Argentina during these challenging times.” Challenging, indeed.

More here.

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