11-27-07, 11:18 pm

La Paz, November 26 (PL).— Bolivian President Evo Morales today joined a column of campesinos that has been marching for several days in favor of a variety of social measures and a new national Constitution.

The unexpected appearance of the leader at dawn brought cheers of joy and support from the approximately 2,500 demonstrators who have covered hundreds of kilometers, coming from different parts of the country to arrive at the central seat of government.

Morales marched at the head of the demonstration with trade union and indigenous leaders who have denounced the Senate’s continuing obstruction of projects beneficial to the country such as the universal “Dignity” stipend for the elderly.

This law establishes that beginning next January a monthly payment of 200 bolivianos ($25) will be made to persons over the age of 60. The Senate approved the measure with modifications to its financing.

Social organizations opposed the legislature’s failure to finance the benefit with income from the direct tax on hydrocarbons (IDH).

According to campesino leader Isaac Avalos, the Senate is attempting to postpone the implementation of the measure, considered a qualitative leap forward in the social policies of the government and deserving of the support of the Bolivian people.

Avalos pointed out that the march, supported by the Bolivian Retirees Association, is demanding the ratification of other laws that are “asleep” in the Senate.

The mobilization is backing the National Constituent Assembly and its most recent decision approving the basic structure of a new Constitution despite the attacks of the opposition and its machinations to destabilize the country, he remarked.

Translated by Granma International