Troops defend federal offices from separatists

SANTA CRUZ, Bolivia -- Government troops took up posts around government buildings in Bolivia's eastern capital yesterday as separatist militants invaded tax offices, the latest in a wave of mob actions that have paralyzed key national institutions. The previous night, protesters ransacked offices of the ruling Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) in Santa Cruz as demands for regional autonomy have escalated into calls for outright independence. "We are no longer interested in the constitutional assembly or any negotiations with the government; what we want is our Camba nation," said protest leader Amelia Dimetri, using the name favored by a growing body of youthful militants for the prosperous eastern regions of Bolivia. The spreading violence has jeopardized a summit of Latin American presidents scheduled for another Bolivian city, Cochabamba. President Evo Morales and his close ally from Venezuela, President Hugo Chavez, plan to use the event to propose a regional anti-U.S. alliance that would include the legalization of coca farming. Students groups have blocked access to some airports where the guests are expected to arrive. Although 4,000 police and troops were mobilized to protect the conference, at least five heads of state, including those of Colombia, Peru and Mexico, have announced that they are not coming. The latest unrest began with a general strike led by governors and civic leaders in eastern Bolivia a week ago to protest new laws redistributing large private farms and imposing strict controls on regional authorities. In the capital, La Paz, Indian supporters of Mr. Morales stormed a church to break up a hunger strike by government opponents, taking local Gov. Luis Paredes hostage when he tried to appeal for calm.

Here's how socialism is unfolding in Bolivia under Morales. Seems like not everyone is interested in have their hand stolen and handed over to someone else. Also, Morales was chased out of Santa Cruz by rock-throwing students when he arrived to deliver a speech on Monday. Drive-by shootings have since been reported against homes of protest organizers.

Terrorist tactics are working better than ever nowdays.

Why when I was a young wippersnapper none of these terror
tactics were ever even thought about!

2 posted on 12/08/2006 7:43:34 AM PST by claptrap (We've found a Witch can we burn her?)

Lets hope the Venezuelans can learn from these guys.

3 posted on 12/08/2006 7:50:13 AM PST by tdewey10 (Can we please take out iran's nuclear capability before they start using it?)

When I read the article, I was hoping it was Texas.

4 posted on 12/08/2006 8:03:26 AM PST by MeanWestTexan (Kol Hakavod Lezahal)

I believe these protesters are against the new, leftest government. I suspect a touch of tribalism may be in play as well.

5 posted on 12/08/2006 8:37:00 AM PST by ASOC (The phrase "What if" or "If only" are for children.)

They ARE against the new, leftist government. These are the shoe-wearing, educated, property owning people who don't want their country turned into a disfunctional Cuba.

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