Bolivia Changes Policy at Behest of U.S.
Bolivia's President, Evo Morales, took office last month with a campaign pledge to eliminate restrictions on personal coca farming while clamping down on the illegal drug trade. In line with that policy, after a meeting with the United States Ambassador to Bolivia, Morales agreed to define coca growth in excess of 40 meters by 40 meters as "surplus," which must be eradicated. Personal coca growth is permitted by the Bolivian government. The U.S. provides aid to Bolivia in order to help combat the cocaine trade.