Bolivia Demands Answers from Kast Regarding ‘Narco Wood’ Incident

Original article: En Bolivia aseguran que pedirán «explicaciones» a Kast por caso «narco madera»

As previously announced, President José Antonio Kast is set to arrive in Bolivia this Friday, October 16, to meet with Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz.

However, recent developments have revealed discontent within the Bolivian Forestry Chamber, which is critical of the Chilean leader’s visit, particularly due to the issue known as ‘narco wood.’

The chamber raises concerns about the lack of guarantees surrounding the incineration in Chile of 1,000 tons of wood contaminated with illegal substances that originated in Bolivia (read more here).

Official sources indicated that the seized wood was destined for the ports of Antofagasta, Valparaíso, and San Antonio, en route to Europe and the United States.

Following the discovery, Chilean authorities incinerated all the contaminated wood. However, the situation escalated as Bolivia plans to leverage Kast’s visit to «demand explanations.»

«We hope that on Friday, they will require the relevant explanations from President Kast,» stated Walter Rioja, General Manager of the Bolivian Forestry Chamber, during an interview with Bolivian media outlet Red Uno, where he also criticized the absence of bilateral talks and assurances during the enforcement process.

Rioja emphasized that the repercussions of this incident have resulted in the loss of 20,000 jobs, with an additional 180,000 positions potentially at risk.

Possible Agenda for Kast in Bolivia

President José Antonio Kast will be in Bolivia from Friday, October 16, until Saturday, October 17.

In this context, Juan Ángel Torres, the correspondent for the Bolivian channel Red Uno in Chile, provided insights into the potential agenda for the Chilean leader: «From the neighboring country, it’s indicated that he will meet (with Paz) this Friday, October 16, starting at 10:00 AM at the Casa Grande del Pueblo,» the journalist noted.

The northerner journalist highlighted that discussions will include topics such as the potential for free passage of Bolivian exports through Chilean ports, border development efforts, the fight against organized crime, and the growth of drug trafficking.

We will continue to provide updates.