Protests deepen in Bolivian city

Demonstrators in Bolivia have rejected calls by the widely respected Catholic Church to end their protests. Thousands are expected to march on the capital La Paz demanding nationalization of natural gas resources in order to protect Bolivia from Corporate take over. The memories of Bechtel and the privatizing water in Cochabomba are still fresh and Bolivians have developed a distrust of privatization and “corporate interests” in general. The question is, who does the Catholic Church support, the Bolivians or the corporations?

Riot police used tear gas in clashes near the presidential palace, while a strike brought traffic to a standstill.

The mainly left-wing and indigenous protesters are demanding the nationalisation of the gas industry.

President Carlos Mesa has been discussing the possibility of an early election to quell the unrest.

The BBC’s Elliott Gotkine, in La Paz, says the demonstration has been mostly peaceful but the atmosphere in Bolivia is becoming increasingly fraught.

He says the protesters threw stones at a street vendor for opening his kiosk and heckled a businessman for wearing a tie.

Protesters held banners saying “Nationalise Now” and “The People Demand Nationalisation”.

Two weeks of road blocks have begun affecting the supply of fuel and food into the city, but the protesters have vowed to carry on.

Possible election

President Mesa, in power for 19 months, sought to end the crisis on Friday by signing a decree to convene a special assembly to change the constitution.

However, protesters say they will continue their action until the constituent assembly is guaranteed by Congress and the country’s natural gas resources are nationalised.

The demonstrators want reforms to give more power to the indigenous majority, who are mainly from the…

Posted by alpinestar
I have lived many lives in many countries. an alchemist on a constant quest for truth. my destiny is as of yet unclear, but i am still immature. i only want to learn as much as i can before i die. minimalism, naturalism and a few other isms define me ...