- The Spanish branch of the RT. I have a question about the region. There are now protests spilling into outrages in a few Latin American countries. If peace is somewhat being restored in Peru and Ecuador, there's nothing but escalation in Chile and especially Bolivia. Unlike the Middle East, the reasons for the Latin American spring vary by country. What do you think is behind the havoc in Latin America?
Vladimir Putin: "Well, I'll express my own opinion. In my opinion, every country has its reasons. Social and economic problems are always the basis for that, of course. It's some disorder, some issues, which weren't solved in time. Although we are constantly talking about it, there's external interference but it always happens where there are domestic problems. Nevertheless, I reiterate there are specific reasons for every country. When I see what's going on in Bolivia, for example, I imagine a situation where there's no authority at all. All of the existing authorities refused from power. The vice president of the Senate, the Constitutional Tribunal was to make a special decision, the opposition immediately disagreed with it. So, there's no real power. It reminds me of Libya, although there's no external direct armed invasion. But the country is on the brink of havoc indeed. This is an alarming signal.
Everything is quickly changing in Latin America. We'll hope that common sense and understanding of the interests of those countries' populations, responsibility for the lives of their citizens will still prevail over some personal or cliquish ambition and the situation in these countries stabilizes. By the way, that's why we strongly oppose any direct interference with the affairs of such countries as Venezuela, for example. Yes, problems exist. But it's up to Venezuelans to define the future of their country by dialogue between different political forces.
- I'm Elena Kudryavtseva from TASS. As to Latin America, did you discuss the situation in Bolivia and Venezuela with the BRICS partners? Did the BRICS countries develop a joint approach to the crisis in those countries? What policy does Russia intend to conduct in the region, given that it has friendly productive relations with Bolivia under Evo Morales?
Vladimir Putin: “We hope that whoever comes to power in Bolivia, the desire to develop relations with Russia will remain. For our part, we're ready to cooperate with the authorities, to which the people of that country will give a legitimate mandate. As to Venezuela, our position is clearly stated. Actually, I think that this is my answer to your question".
