Zapatero lobbies Morales over Bolivia energy nationalisation plans

The diplomatic skills of Jos

..But Mr Morales has given no indication that he is prepared to give ground. In an interview with Spanish newspapers, he said all contracts signed with oil majors were “null and void” because they had not been ratified by the Bolivian congress. He said Repsol’s gas exports to Argentina would be cancelled, and that the company would be subjected to an official audit. He reiterated plans to nationalise Bolivia’s energy reserves, although confusingly, he said Repsol’s property would not be “confiscated or expropriated”.

Financial Times