23-03-05
Bolivian President Carlos Mesa said that his country is willing to sell
natural gas to Chile if Chile agrees to provide the land-locked country an
access to the Pacific Ocean. Bolivia's natural gas reserves are estimated at 1.5 tcm, the largest in South
America. Bolivia lost its coastline after being defeated by Chile in the
1879-1883 war. The country is trying to restore the Atacama corridor, a key
access to the Pacific Ocean. Bolivia and Chile downgraded diplomatic relations in 1978 over the border
issue.
Source: XinhuaBolivia proposes gas supply to Chile in exchange for sea access
At a ceremony marking the "Day of Sea," Mesa said it is necessary to
restart negotiations with Chile on the sea access issue. Bolivia may share its
natural gas reserves with Chile if the two countries can agree on a
"solution to our maritime problem," said Mesa.
Chile, however, refuses to cede control of the strip, saying a 1904 bilateral
treaty settled all territorial matters with Bolivia. Decades-long negotiations
on the issue have failed.
The two countries maintain commercial relations and have consulates in each
other's capital.