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Thursday, November 13, 2003

Indigenous movements threaten democracy in South America, Peruvian writer Mario Vargas Llosa said in a recent speech.

Llosa criticized the growing influence of Indian leaders in Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador. Calling them the work of just a few people, he said they create "real political and social disorder," according to Inter Press Service News.

Indian leaders in Ecuador are criticizing Llosa's remarks, calling them racist. 'Vargas Llosa's thinking is stuck in the past, and he believes indigenous people should continue to be marginalized,' said Leonidas Iza, president of the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador.

Although the majority of the population in the three countries is Indian, they are just now beginning to make their voices heard. In Bolivia, Indian leaders were behind major protests that led to the ousting of the president. In Ecuador, the indigenous political party is planning protests against the president.

Get the Story:
Indigenous Leaders Angry at Vargas Llosa's Remarks (Inter Press Service News Agency 11/12)

Relevant Links:
Mario Vargas Llosa - http://www.mvargasllosa.com

Related Stories:
Ecuador's Indians to stage massive protests (10/30)
Bolivia's Indians march to celebrate power (10/21)


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