Joint Statement by Members of the Shield of the Americas

The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Begin Text:

The member countries of the Shield of the Americas express our deep concern with the protests and road blockades aimed at subverting the constitutional order and destabilizing the democratically elected government of Bolivia.

We stand with the government of Bolivia and call on protestors to express their concerns peacefully and to respect democratic institutions. When protesters resort to violence, the government has a legitimate interest in lawful protection of the public order. We cannot allow the overthrow of democratically elected leaders in our hemisphere, including when supported by criminals and drug traffickers.

While President Rodrigo Paz works to repair the damaged economy and institutions he inherited after years of mismanagement, protests and blockades are preventing fuel and medical supplies from reaching many Bolivians. Member countries of the Shield of the Americas have been providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Bolivia.

The Shield of the Americas is committed to strengthening cooperation across the Western Hemisphere and supporting democracy, security, and the well-being of our region.

End Text.