By Lilia López With the inauguration of Evo Morales as Bolivia’s president on January 22, Latin America installed yet another left-leaning leader. But while Morales is known for his anti-American rhetoric like Chavez and advocated nationalization of state industries like Kirchner, he has something that sets him apart from his fellow lefties. Morales is an Amyra Indian whose rise to power was made posible by the overwhelming support of his nation's indigenous peoples who make up more than 60 percent of the population. Morales is the first indigenous president in Bolivia’s 180-year history and the first ever in Latin America. As a result, the election of Morales was news around the world. His movements, words, and even fashion sense continue to make headlines in international media outlets. Morales used his inaugural address to stress his commitment to the nation’s indigenous population, the support of which propelled him to victory. According to Morales, his administration marks the beginning of 500-years of indigenous rule, as opposed to 500 years of the colonialism and neo-colonialism governments Bolivia has suffered. Throughout his campaign, Morales pledged to nationalize Bolivia’s immense natural gas reserves, part of his plan to increase the people's control over their nation's natural resources. These promises, as well as his support for the legalizing the production of coca led to more than a few concerns around the world, particularly in Washington. Morales embarked on ambitious 10-day European tour just weeks after taking office. He made stops in Spain, France and Belgium. While the tour was largely a public relations effort designed to drum up support for his new administration, one of his stops has already produced substantive results. After meeting with several high-ranking Spanish officials, including King Juan Carlos, the two nations agreed to cancel the $120 million debt Bolivia owes to Madrid. The two parties agreed the money will instead be invested in Bolivia’s educational system, an arrangement Spain has reached with several other Latin American governments. Spain is also the third-largest investor in Bolivia as its energy company, Repsal YPF has invested over $1.08 billion. Many analysts interpreted Morales’ trip as a move to assure international investors that his administration is open to discussion, despite the fiery anti-capitalist rhetoric that was the cornerstone of his campaign. But the president has yet to make clear what he means by “nationalization.” While Morales told reporters that Bolivia needs “partners, foreign investors, but not international owners of our natural resources,” during his European trip, a representative of the international investment firm, Standard and Poor said Morales’ lack of a clearly annunciated plan will only hurt international confidence in his administration. As many analysts predicted, Washington has displayed little patience with the Morales administration. Earlier this month, the U.S. State Department proposed cutting military aid to Bolivia by 96 percent. According to State Department officials, the cut is being made because of a requirement stating that the U.S government must cut military assistance to countries that have not ratified an agreement saying they will not extradite Americans to the International Criminal Court. The Bush administration does not recognize the legitimacy of the court, and only approximately 100 countries have signed the agreement. Regardless, the US also has the right to waive the rule and continue providing military aid as it has done with five nations. In addition to just military aid, the U.S. is the largest general aid donor to Bolivia, sending an average of $150 million in anti-drug fighting funds as well as general assistance.