LA PAZ, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- Bolivian President Evo Morales on Saturday announced his intention to strengthen the country's armed forces for defensive purposes.
Speaking at a ceremony on the shores of Lake Titicaca to mark the 191st anniversary of the creation of the Bolivian Navy, Morales said the military exercise on display "inspires us to speed up the equipping of our armed forces."
Addressing military leaders, Morales said "we are going to work under your advice ... to equip and arm ourselves so our armed forces are prepared to defend in case of a foreign attack."
In Bolivia's past, the military was used to oppress the people, he noted, but today they are at the service of the people.
Bolivia's Navy was created on Nov. 6, 1826 during the government of Antonio Jose de Sucre.
