Bolivian ambassador to the United States to speak at UF

February 7, 2007

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Gustavo Guzmán, the Bolivian Ambassador to the United States, will speak at the University of Florida’s Reitz Student Union Auditorium at 9:30 a.m. Feb. 15.

Guzman, a former newspaper editor, will open the UF Center for Latin American Studies’ 56th Annual Conference, “New Communications Technologies and the Impacts on Indigenous Societies and Cultures.”

The ambassador will give an address on “The Indigenous Majority and New Politics in Bolivia.” Guzmán represents the government of Bolivian President Evo Morales. Morales, who took office in January 2006, has drawn attention in the last months due to his policies that have partially nationalized the natural gas industry, increased coca production for traditional uses, and supported land reform. He is also known for his close ties with Hugo Chavez, president of Venezuela.

Guzman’s lecture is open to the public and will be of interest to anyone with an interest in Bolivian and Latin American regional politics.

For further information, contact:
Elizabeth Lowe, conference chairwoman, elowe@ufl.edu
352-392-0375, ext. 809