BOLIVIA: NEW PRESIDENT HUGO BANZER REVIEWS TROOPS AT MILITARY PARADE

Описание: (8 Aug 1997) Spanish/Nat
Retired army general and former dictator Hugo Banzer reviewed troops as the newly elected president of Bolivia during a military parade on Thursday.
The 71-year-old leader met top ranking military officials from Bolivia and neighbouring countries in Latin America as his country embarked on a new political era.
The strong military turn-out brought to mind Banzer's days of dictatorship during the seventies but he warned there would be no special military privilege while he was in office.
Bolivian President Hugo Banzer's review of the troops on Thursday was like a meeting between old friends.
The army was President Banzer's greatest ally in his rise to power in 1971, when he overthrew the leftist general Juan Jose Torres.
The general ruled as dictator until elections in 1978 and, despite losing office, remained firmly installed in the corridors of power.
Reviewing the troops on Thursday was one of the first official appointments since his inauguration, on Wednesday, as Bolivia's constitutionally elected president.
His message to the crowds suggested he wished to avoid dependency on military strength this time round.
SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
"The armed forces always have solidarity with their people, and in this way will share the people's destiny. We would not be at peace with our conscience if the military retained a privileged position."
SUPER CAPTION: Hugo Banzer, President of Bolivia
President Banzer is in a strong position to enjoy his newly elected status, having inherited a stable and growing economy, with one of the lowest inflation rates in Latin America.
Leaders from several neighbouring countries flew into Bolivia to witness the week's inauguration ceremonies, including Thursday's march past.
Troops from Argentina, Uruguay and Peru all took part.
President Banzer's new cabinet should appeal to countries further afield such as the United States.
The new leader has vowed to exclude politicians allegedly linked to narco-trafficking.
But fierce condemnation of President Banzer has already come from his own backyard, following demonstrations earlier this week which denounced him for his dictatorial past.

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