Press Release of Senator Lugar Lugar meets with Bolivian President Evo Morales Tuesday, November 18, 2008 U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar met today with Bolivian President Evo Morales on his first visit to Washington as president. The meeting in the U.S. Capitol was also attended by presidential spokesman Ivan Canelas, and other officials of the Bolivian government. In the meeting Lugar welcomed President Morales and expressed that his visit is a positive step toward improving dialogue and understanding between the two nations, especially after the expulsion of U.S. Ambassador to Bolivia Philip Goldberg in September 2008.    “The United States regrets any perception that it has been disrespectful, insensitive, or engaged in any improper activities that would disregard the legitimacy of the current Bolivian government or its sovereignty. We hope to renew our relationship with Bolivia, and to develop a rapport grounded on respect and transparency. In this regard, after appropriate and constructive official contacts, I hope that we will have a U.S. Ambassador in La Paz soon, and that we will look forward to having a Bolivian Ambassador here in Washington, D.C.,” Lugar said.   In the meeting, Lugar and President Morales also discussed the importance of the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (ATPDEA) which was suspended by President Bush.    “Lifting the suspension on the ATPDEA with Bolivia will strengthen the growing political and economic relationship between our nations and help bring new jobs and good will to the region,” Lugar said. Bolivians are concerned about the possibility of losing a market of $400 million dollars of manufactured Bolivian products that generate a significant number of jobs in Bolivia.   # # #