Fizzy tizzy: Bolivia walks back talk of Coca-Cola ban

[claud3]

Bolivian officials played down a recent pledge to ban Coca-Cola, saying the words were taken out of context. Their aim was to encourage locals to switch to a homemade peach soft drink instead of the famous American soda.

Foreign Minister David Choquehuanca said that December 21, 2012 – the day the Mayan lunar calendar enters a new cycle – “has to be the end of Coca-Cola, the end of selfishness, of division.”

“The planets will line up after 26,000 years. It is the end of capitalism and the beginning of communitarianism,” he said. International media ran his words, claiming the country planned to expel one of the world largest soft drink manufacturers.

But Choquehuanca actually meant that December 21 "ought to be the end of Coca Cola, and the beginning of Mocochinci," a local drink made from dried peaches, said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Consuelo Ponce.

US weekly magazine Forbes suggested that the alleged ban on Coca-Cola comes at time when Bolivia is pledging to legalize the consumption of coca leaves, alleged to be one of the main ingredients in the soft drink’s secret formula.

The sale of the native coca leaf is big business in Bolivia, accounting for 2% of the country’s GDP (approximately $270 million annually), and representing 14% of all agricultural sales, Forbes reported.

The UN declared the leaves illegal under the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, along with cocaine, opium and morphine. Since 2009, Bolivia has consistently called for change to the ruling. The consumption of coca leaves is a centuries-old tradition in South America, strongly rooted in the beliefs of various indigenous groups.

The Bolivian legislature recently approved a Bill of Complaint filed by President Evo Morales’ administration to withdraw Bolivia from the convention over its prohibitions against the personal use, consumption, possession and cultivation of the coca leaf.

In support of the bill, the Bolivian government cited Article 384 of the 2008 Bolivian Constitution, which obligates preserving the use of the coca leaf as part of Bolivia’s ancestral heritage, and rejects the designation of coca in its natural state as a narcotic.

President Morales defended the traditional practice of chewing coca leaves at a UN meeting on narcotics in March, and urged the body to reconsider its 1961 decision.

http://www.rt.com/news/bolivia-coca-cola-ban-770/

This i hope happens. Coca-Cola is jyst like Disney

They think they rule the world

[mickice]

I don't like Coke, I've never understood what its taste is.

[DeviousOne]

This isnt the first time or coca cola and this wont be the last suit they see they'll be fine LOL

[claud3]

True. And i am expecting a new one or two soon

[DreDayDetox]

Don't buy Coca Cola kids, because if you do, on December 21st, 2012, you will die along with them. But not if you buy our homemade peach juice made from the finest ingredients!

Product placement, that's what I got from it.

[Kuro]

I like Coca Cola..lol especially the cherry one.

[claud3]

Its a horrible drink and i know i use to drink it

[Kuro]

Bah..I like Dr. Pepper it has a better taste. One of my fav soft drinks.

[DreDayDetox]

Eww I hate Dr. Pepper. It's like Root Beer combined with Cola, but you don't know if it's one or the other.


I love Coca Cola, but like all pop, it gives me some serious acid reflux.

[DeviousOne]

I can only drink coke while im eating however sprite i drank that ish all day SON! LMAO

[Kuro]

Eww I hate Dr. Pepper. It's like Root Beer combined with Cola, but you don't know if it's one or the other.


I love Coca Cola, but like all pop, it gives me some serious acid reflux.

Wah really? And damn that sucks bro.

I can only drink coke while im eating however sprite i drank that ish all day SON! LMAO

I see you like that purp!

[claud3]

even though i hate coke. I would drink it for a hangover cure

[Kuro]

You mix it with alotta things that's for sure lol..like red bull.

[claud3]

Never drink it in mixure form. I would drink it after having a night on the spirits

[Kuro]

Sounds like a fun time

[claud3]

true, when you wake up in the bath in just your boxers lol

[Kuro]

Lmao..just another day.

[claud3]

just another pissed tom LMAO

[mickice]

I used to like fanta but in Australia its now all natural and yuck. Can't say I like any coke cola company drinks, sprite, nestea, powerade...

[The Black Wolf]

Dr. Pepper > Pepsi > Coca Cola.

[claud3]

Its a dangerous drink in my opinion. But yet tasty in a wird way

[Kuro]

I used to like fanta but in Australia its now all natural and yuck. Can't say I like any coke cola company drinks, sprite, nestea, powerade...

The asian one's way better imo.

[claud3]

I do not drink anymore fizzy drinks. Because you put on a lot of weight

[Kuro]

Yeah you do. It's ok once in a while though.

[claud3]

Never ever