Bolivian ambassador to Iran, “Iran is not the country that media show”

Bolivia has established its first embassy in the Mideast in Iran and this shows the importance of the special relationships between the two countries. After Hassan Rohani was elected as Iran’s president the politicized relationship between them started to tend toward establishing economic affairs. Regarding this process the philosopher Bolivian ambassador to Tehran hopes that with sanctions being lifted two countries will have closer economic ties.

 Avadiplomatic’s exclusive interview with Jorg Radolf miranda luizaga , Bolivian ambassador to Tehran

Interview by Mohammadreza Nazari

Mr. Ambassador, how was Bolivian embassy established, and when did you entered Iran?

For establishing the embassy the vote of majority of parliament members is needed. According to negotiations the diplomatic relationship between Iran and Bolivia was supposed to begin in 2007 but then Mr. Morales couldn’t get the majority vote in parliament so the establishment of the embassy was postponed till 2010.

On April 10, 2010 the president could get the majority vote in parliament to establish an embassy in Iran. It’s worth mentioning that this is the first direct Bolivian embassy in the Mideast, in other words this embassy is in charge of the other countries’ diplomatic relationships in Mideast as well. We have another embassy in Egypt, there isn’t an ambassador in it though. During last year, Bolivia has established embassies in India and South Korea too.

 May you please talk about your educational and diplomatic background a little bit?

I’m the founder of the Diplomacy School in Bolivia and had taught diplomatic relationships there for a long time. The bulk of my activities was in cultural side of diplomacy. One of my duties in that school was to teach future diplomats some concepts by which they would be able to introduce Bolivia in an appropriate way to foreign countries.

After this period of teaching, I had to go to Germany to continue my education. I got a B.S in chemistry and PHD in philosophy and taught for some years in different universities in Germany in these levels.

In 1990 I returned to Bolivia with the intention of not leaving Bolivia anytime again. I started to cooperate with different ministries like culture, economic development and education. I’ve worked in different sections of ministries and gained different kinds of experience and didn’t have any tendency towards leaving the country. However, I accepted to be Bolivian ambassador to Tehran after the ministry of foreign affairs and Mr. Morales himself asked me to—actually I didn’t have any other option.

 Did anyone recommend you to the president or the minister for the post?

It was not so. Almost all of them knew me. I’m an activist in social and local movements in Bolivia and have activities in different fields, even giving suggestions and designs for Mr. Morales’ local clothes. That’s why they knew me, because of such social activities they offered me the ambassador position.

 What was your perception of Iran before coming here? I want to know your opinion as there were huge media activities to tarnish Iran’s image.

Before coming to Iran I did some research on your country’s culture and geography to see what life style is like here and I didn’t pay much attention to media. I read a book by a German writer, its title was “Iran, God’s Forgotten Paradise”. It’s interesting that the author of the book says that before entering Iran he has thought that Iranians are violent people and are unapproachable and have strict security rules at the airport or they don’t let you in, or cause problems, but when he comes to Iran he realizes that it is all otherwise.

Iran is not the country that is shown on media at all. It’s a country with lovely people and there is no sign of the so called violence in it. The author says that he could enter Iran easily—they say Iranians don’t let you in and harass you at the airport. The book gave me some ideas. When I came to Iran and got acquainted with people in person, I realized that here people give opinions about everything, and talk about their government freely. They can even give their opposite opinions just like other countries where people criticize the governments.

 How did you feel when your plane landed in Tehran?

Before coming, I wanted to know what the culture of this country is like. I studied some articles about Islam to see what religion people have here, it really helped me. Maybe some people have come here with presuppositions, but I’m not one of them, I knew that I’m entering a civilized country.

When I entered from Imam Khomeini airport I saw that everything is normal like other countries and there were no problems. It was comfortable, and Mr. Hosseini from Iran’s ministry of foreign affairs came to receive me. It’s interesting that I expected to face a city like One Thousand and One Nights Stories (Arabian Nights) but what I saw was a modern city.

 Did you come to Iran with your spouse?

No, she came to Iran a year later. She has more information about Iran than me; however, as she studies so much. Although right now she knows about Islam and Iranian culture more than me, she is enthusiastic about learning new ideas and she didn’t mind covering her body based on Hijab codes in Iran which are almost unique.

Such difficulties didn’t irritate her and she could adapt herself to circumstances. She is also keen on the spiritual beliefs in Iran.

A fact that was interesting for both of us was that family is very important in Iran, unlike most of other countries especially European countries. Iranians greatly respect their families and try to keep their family union as long as possible. We are still researching on Iran to know more and more about it every day.

 Previously you had mentioned that Bolivia and Iran have gotten closer thanks to Venezuela. What’s your assessment of Venezuela’s role?

You need to know that Bolivia has been a republican country. Currently in the process of changes that Bolivia experiences with Morales, former Neoliberal thoughts are changing and the country’s name has changed from Republic of Bolivia to Plurinational State of Bolivia The reason is that there is a vast cultural and religious diversity in Bolivia. We are people with diverse religions and cultures. Mr. Morales started this change with recognizing all these cultures and religions.

In continuing this process, Venezuela has always had similar ideas and has accompanied us. Hugo Chavez used to try to strengthen the ties between countries. He said that in addition to European counties we can also develop closer ties with Iran in Mideast. Chavez believed that with establishing an embassy in Iran we can start it. Considering this recommendation, we started our relationship with Iran and we are well-satisfied.

Another good reason for Chavez was that countries such as Nicaragua, Cuba, Venezuela and Ecuador all had embassies in Iran, countries which were important countries in ALBA. We were the only country in the region that didn’t have an embassy in Iran. Cooperating with ALBA countries was one of the reasons for establishing the embassy. Another reason was that we wanted ALBA countries to follow the same strategy in the region.

 The US has given different warnings to Latin America Countries not to let Iran expand its influence on the region. What is the most important means that the US employs to put your country under pressure not to expand your relationship with Iran?

Since Mr. Morales became president he has employed different methods based on his former observations. The US likes to enjoy a significant influence on this countries as it used to have on Iran, that’s why Mr. Morales dismissed the American ambassador as he meddled in Bolivia’s domestic affairs.

The US used to meddle in our domestic affairs, directly or indirectly. Even in the process of election of ministers they wanted to wield influence. That’s why at first he was dismissed then USAID, an NGO, members were repatriated.

This organization had a mysterious influence in Bolivia’s affairs. These were some actions that Mr. Morales took to weaken the power of the US in Bolivia so that they won’t be able to interfere in Bolivia’s affairs and decisions. We can consider cementing our relationship with Iran as another act against the US policy.

 May you please elaborate more on USAID?

USAID is an NGO that had some activities in Bolivia for 4 years. It had a fund as well and was supposed to support governmental activities based on its budget, but it acted otherwise. In other words they used the money that they got against the government and helped the opposition. When the government realized this fact, we decided to dismiss this organization.

 In 2006 Iran-Bolivia Petroleum Company was establish, what is this company’s status now?

In 2006 an agreement between two countries was signed to expand bilateral economic relationship. One section of that was the Petroleum Company that is now active in Bolivia. According to this agreement, Bolivia allowed Iran to dig and search for oil and gas in Bolivia. Iranians also teach Bolivian engineers. But unfortunately because of the sanctions we have faced some difficulties regarding financial transactions. This financial problem has hindered the process. Two countries are supposed to hold meetings in order to deal with this issue so that we will develop our relationship.

 Will these meeting be held when Morales goes to Tehran?

First of all ministers of foreign affairs of both countries are supposed to hold bilateral meetings, of course some other ministers will also attend the meetings so as to follow the agreements. We hope that the meeting will help solve the issues. After that we will ask for a bilateral meeting between Morales and Rohani and then he will be invited to Bolivia. So the outcome of the meetings is crucial for the issues. After that we will make arrangements for the two presidents to meet.

 How is the economic relationship between two the countries currently? Except Petroleum and Energy, in what other fields do they cooperate?

Iran has a high level in technology which Bolivia does not, especially Iran has progressed remarkably in Nanotechnology and Bolivia wants to make use of Iran’s technology in future.

In our country we have large mines and great natural resources, agricultural, petroleum, gas and other recourses. From this point of view, Bolivia is rich. That’s why we need some exchange of technology. Certainly some other issues are more significant for us such as the oil issue, agriculture and mine. We are concentrated on these main issues.

 So due to the sanctions there are some problems in financial transaction between the countries. Why don’t you choose direct exchange between the two countries? For instance Bolivia is rich in agricultural products and has great natural resources and Iran has the ability to share its experiences.

It is a good idea and we are considering it but there should be an agreement on it. We should specify the amounts to be exchanged. Now our products are wheat, soy, sugar and so on. A part of it is consumed in our own country, and a part is exported to Latin America countries and European countries. In fact it is specified how much of our production each country should receive. That’s why there is an urge to have an agreement to know how much of our products should be exported to Iran. In close future this might be realized.

 To form such an agreement, you need to be acquainted with Iran’s industry and science, have you been doing it in this period?

You are totally right, I as an ambassador, with different representatives from Bolivian companies and Organizations, have travelled to different cities in Iran to know more about Iran’s industry. Iran has a great capacity in industry and Nanotechnology. I went to Esfahan and visited Iran’s steel industry, it’s wonderful. We know your capacities.

As you know it has been only three years since Bolivian embassy was established, and in this period we have been making preparations. As time passes we know Iran better and better. You need to know that because of western countries propaganda to tarnish Iran’s image, our people and private sector are not that much interested in cooperation with Iran. All the contracts have been governmental, between the two governments, and there has been no contract in private sector. Currently, with Iran’s ambassador’s efforts and Avadiplomatic our people are starting to know Iran, its capacities and industry. Because of these efforts there are some companies that really want to cooperate with Iran’s private sector.

 Do you have any statistics about the quantity of export during last year?

It’s not a considerable figure, it’s a small figure actually. It takes time for embassies to reach a mutual understanding. But I’m optimistic and am sure that with our countries determination after one year we will be able to expand our relationship.

 You are a philosopher and a cultural figure, what do you have in mind about cultural interactions between the two countries?

Cultural factors are a great field for cultural interactions. We have received invitations from Iranian universities for teaching in industry, Petroleum and mining. We think about possible fields of cooperation and like to make it realized. Actually there is an obstacle that hinders us and that is language. Our countries language is Spanish and attending courses that you don’t understand their language is difficult. Maybe Iranians can learn Spanish easier and travel to Bolivia. Of course we can have Farsi and English crash courses so that the students will be fairly prepared. It’s interesting that now we have a student in Islamic University of Qom, we can say he is the first Ayatollah with redskin roots. He is being educated about Islam and is the head of Muslims department.

 How many Muslims are there in Bolivia?

There aren’t many, but it is worth mentioning that there are 5 Islamic churches in Bolivia.

 What are the features of an Islamic church?

It means they set aside 5 churches for Muslims, 3 for Sunnis and 2 for Shias.

That’s interesting, so in Bolivia you respect other cultures and ethnic groups.

Precisely, that’s why its name is Plurinational State of Bolivia The population of Muslims in our country is not big like Bones Ayres. Plenty of Muslims and Jews live there. Compared to them, not many Muslims live in Bolivia but it’s important that all respect each other. We enjoy a peaceful coexistence there.

People should respect all cultures and religions, that’s when we see a peaceful coexistence. That is one of government’s main policies in Bolivia. In old countries like Spain, there were 3 religions. Muslims dominated south of the country, Christians and Jews who came there later on. Most of disputes and conflict started back then, when they wanted to deport immigrant Muslims. All countries should respect each other and each person should be respected no matter what their culture and religion are.

 You said that there are many Muslims in Argentina, there are many Jews there as well, is it the same in Bolivia?

No, there aren’t many Jews in Bolivia and Israel does not have any influence in particular there.

 What regions in Iran have you visited? What culture do you know more about? What cities were more enjoyable for you?

I’ve travelled to different cities in Iran, the things that were more interesting for me were specifically Persepolis and Pasargadae and the architecture of these monuments. I was there for many days and observed them meticulously. They have a great architecture, its worthy of note that we have the same architecture in some Bolivian towns but it’s not as magnificent as yours and is in a lower level. To me as a Bolivian this amount of similarity is interesting.

Another point is that you use the same symbols in your carpets that we do in Bolivia. Of course we don’t have Persian Carpets but we have some similar carpets. We use these symbols and designs in clothes, I had seen them in my country and then I saw them in Iran.

When I was visiting tourist attractions in Iran, I liked the Village of Abyane in particular. Its ancient structure is adorable. I’ve also travelled to Bandar Abbas, Shiraz, and Esfahan. Iran is replete with different cultures so it’s the appropriate place for anyone interested in culture. Still I like to visit some other towns.

Another interesting point about Iran is Abu Ali Sina’s Books, which are very interesting for me, Omar Khayyam and Hafez poems as well. I hope one day I’ll be able to write poems like Khayyam and Hafez.

 You have a poetic taste. I’d like to know about the content of the last poem that you’ve written in Iran.

I’ve written plenty of poems and most of them are about love or nostalgias or about social commitments. Hafez mused me to write poems about spirituality.

 To what extent have you been influenced by German poets?

Erich Fried who is a Jew and one of modern poets in Germany is my favorite. He muses me. He also is a critic of Zionism.

 What is the field of the books you have written?

I’ve written books on Semiotics and pre-colonial Bolivian culture before being a colony of Spain and politics. My poems have also been published. Among books that I have written I can name “Truth about Bolivia”.

 Don’t you want these books to be translated into Farsi?

I pretty much like to translate my poems into Farsi. Afterwards my other books be translated into Farsi. Albeit I also like some other Bolivian books to be translated into Farsi too, as we have some great works in literature and culture.

 Do all Bolivians belong to Redskin race?

Bolivia has a population of 11 million. 6 million of them are local Redskins and 4 million are just a mixture of locals from neighboring areas. And whites are very few. Quite oddly Mr. Morales is our first redskin president in 200 years, rest of them have been white.

 Apparently Bolivia, unlike Nicaragua, does not have border dispute with its neighbors.

Not in particular, But we have a small historic border dispute with Chile. Chile deprived us of access to the sea and beach and its suit is in Lahay. Bolivia has lost 50 percent of its borders to Peru, Argentina, Chile and Paraguay during history as we had a small population.

 Based on the fact that many people in Bolivia live in tribes, which tribes are the most powerful?

Aymara and Quechua redskins are the most powerful, and the president is from these tribes. I was born in Lapaz and don’t have such roots. In other words I’m not a redskin, I’m originally from Basque, Spain, and my ancestors were immigrants.

 Basqueis trying to be independent, were your ancestors revolutionary too?

Precisely.