Dear friends

Herewith the statement of the US embassy in La Paz that was delivered today on coca chewing day (see ) to Bolivian press

United States Embassy in Bolivia Press Statement

The United States respects indigenous peoples’ culture and recognizes that acullico (coca-chewing) is a traditional custom in Bolivian culture.  We express our willingness to work with the Government of the Plurinational State of Bolivia within a framework of respect these time immemorial practices.

In recognition of principle of shared responsibility, the United States continues its commitment to work, along with other international partners, with the Bolivian government to support this country’s fight against drug trafficking.

The Unites States government’s stance of not supporting the proposed amendment is based on the importance of maintaining the integrity of the 1961 Convention, which represents an important tool in the global fight against narcotrafficking.