Bolivian Senate to Summon Foreign Minister Over Chile Border Closure Proposal

Bolivia's Senate is set to summon Foreign Minister Héctor Huanca Gutiérrez to address the bilateral relationship with Chile and recent border incidents. The move comes in response to a proposal by two Chilean deputies to temporarily close border crossings with Bolivia.

Senator Wanda Medrano stated that the International Policy Commission seeks to understand the government's diplomatic efforts regarding a situation that could impact existing agreements and cross-border trade. "We see an impact on the international treaties signed between Bolivia and Chile, as well as on the trade between our two countries, especially in northern Chile," Medrano said.

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We see an impact on the international treaties signed between Bolivia and Chile, as well as on the trade between our two countries, especially in northern Chile.

The Chilean deputies, Sebastián Videla and Luis Malla, formally requested the border closure, citing a rise in the smuggling of stolen vehicles from Chile into Bolivia through unauthorized routes. This initiative is connected to a debate in Bolivia over a draft law introduced in late May by deputies Reynaldo Seas and Armin Lluta, which proposed nationalizing undocumented vehicles.

Medrano voiced opposition to the legalization of what she termed "illegal" vehicles, suggesting that the introduction of the draft bill has led to an increase in undocumented vehicles entering Bolivia. The commission also plans to inquire about the Foreign Ministry's actions concerning Chile's reinforced border control measures, including the construction of ditches at illegal crossings and the deployment of military personnel to curb vehicle smuggling.

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We cannot legalize something that is, in fact, illegal.