CHARTING A NEW COURSE IN BOLIVIA

Violent Rampages Have Exacted A Heavy Toll

The forced resignation of Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada as president of Bolivia
and his sudden departure for the United States put an end to the street
violence that claimed more than 60 lives and plunged the nation into
turmoil. But that outcome comes at a high price: a diminution of the respect
for democratic process. In terms of resolving the profound economic and
social problems that plague this Andean nation, the president's removal
accomplishes nothing. Worse, by removing a president via street protests,
democracy has been damaged and confidence in the country's ability to forge
a better future for itself badly shaken. If the peoples will is to be
respected, the democratic process needs to be respected and things like
presidential terms have to mean something. Going on a violent binge creates
only a more-painful headache.

In trying to repair the damage that has been done, the first place to start
is with the new president, Carlos Mesa, who has pledged that his will be a
government of transition. He appealed for a respite from the politics of
confrontation. We hope that all sides respond positively. Mr. Mesa's
ascension from vice president preserves at least the appearance of a
constitutional transition. He deserves some breathing space.

The United States can help by granting recognition to his government, which
is probably the best that can be hoped for in a chaotic situation. A review
of U.S. policies toward Bolivia, including improvements in the
coca-eradication program that many protesters blame for destroying their
livelihood, should follow. As long as the indigenous community feels it is
being made to pay for the drug problem of foreigners, the program will
continue to foster deep-seated resentment.

Finally, and perhaps of greatest import, the protesters said that they want
nothing to do with ''globalization'' and the U.S.-supported policies of the
International Monetary Fund. Thus, the removal of Mr. Sanchez de Lozada, who
championed those policies, will be seen as a victory for anti-globalization
forces.

That is absurd. How is Bolivia, the poorest country in South America,
supposed to get out of its economic hole without outside help? Anger at the
IMF is misdirected, since it can only suggest, not impose, remedies for
damaged economies.

Few underdeveloped countries are likely to get their economic houses in
order without IMF help. Sooner or later, Bolivia will seek international
assistance once again. At a minimum, Bolivians will have to do their part by
understanding that charting a new course will require creative, sometimes
painful, solutions and respect for the democratic process.