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Opposition leaves Bolivia talks Bolivia opposition agrees to talk
(about 5 hours later)
Bolivia's opposition has pulled out of negotiations with the government after the arrest of the governor of a region wracked by anti-government violence. Bolivian President Evo Morales and opposition governors from rich eastern regions have agreed on steps to resolve the country's political crisis.
Leopoldo Fernandez, an opponent of President Evo Morales, was accused of organising an ambush in Pando in which at least 16 people were killed. The governor of the natural gas-rich Tarija province said he would sign a deal on issues to be discussed, on behalf of other rebel governors.
Last week, Mr Morales declared a state of emergency in the northern region. They agreed to the talks despite the arrest of a northern governor.
Several areas have opposed his plans to redistribute wealth and improve the rights of Bolivia's indigenous peoples. Wealthy eastern areas have opposed Mr Morales' left-wing reforms, sparking violent anti-government protests.
The negotiations between the Bolivian government and the opposition were always built on very flimsy foundations, says the BBC's South America correspondent, Daniel Schweimler. Last week, Mr Morales declared a state of emergency in the northern region of Pando, where at least 16 people have been killed in anti-government protests.
The arrest of Leopoldo Fernandez was the excuse the opposition, centred in the east of the country, needed to pull out, our correspondent adds. Pando governor Leopoldo Fernandez was arrested on Tuesday. He is accused of hiring the hitmen who killed at least 16 farmers on their way to a pro-government rally. He denies the charge.
US black list Thursday talks?
Government troops who remain in control of Pando's capital, Cobija, moved to detain the governor on Tuesday. Mr Fernandez reportedly put up no resistance as he was transferred to Cobija airport before being taken to Bolivia's main city, La Paz, on Tuesday.
Mr Fernandez, who was arrested alongside one other local politician, reportedly put up no resistance as he was transferred to Cobija aiport before being taken to Bolivia's main city, La Paz. But despite the arrest, Governor Ruben Costas in the opposition stronghold of Santa Cruz said: "We have decided to sign this accord for peace to return."
The issues for discussion listed in the accord include the governors' drive for more autonomy, and talks could begin on Thursday.
Mr Morales wants to give more rights to Bolivia's indigenous communityMr Morales wants to give more rights to Bolivia's indigenous community
A recent wave of violent clashes in opposition-controlled areas has left at least 30 people dead, most in Pando.
As many as 100 people are reportedly still missing after the recent violence, the scale of which prompted the president to send in troops to secure Cobija.
The violence had subsided and the blockades were lifted as the two sides began negotiations.
US black list
The unrest has centred on Mr Morales' decision to hold a referendum on a new constitution in December.
Mr Morales says he wants to re-distribute Bolivia's wealth and give a greater voice to the country's large indigenous community.
But opposition leaders oppose the plan and want to have more control over natural gas revenues in their areas.
Meanwhile, the US encouraged its citizens currently in Bolivia to leave the country, saying special flights were being made available.Meanwhile, the US encouraged its citizens currently in Bolivia to leave the country, saying special flights were being made available.
President George W Bush said Bolivia had been put on a black list of nations that failed to meet obligations to limit drug production in the past year.President George W Bush said Bolivia had been put on a black list of nations that failed to meet obligations to limit drug production in the past year.
Venezuela and Burma were also added to the list, inclusion on which allows the US to withhold aid payments.
Mr Bush said that measure would not be taken against Venezuela or Bolivia.
Relations between La Paz and Washington deteriorated sharply last week when Mr Morales expelled the US ambassador from Bolivia.Relations between La Paz and Washington deteriorated sharply last week when Mr Morales expelled the US ambassador from Bolivia.
Truce efforts
The arrest of Leopoldo Fernandez came as Bolivia sought to calm tensions after a wave of violent clashes in opposition-controlled areas that left at least 30 people dead, most in Pando.
The government accused Mr Fernandez of hiring hitmen who killed at least 16 farmers on their way to a pro-government rally.
The authorities have asked for a 30-year prison sentence if Mr Fernandez is convicted. He denies the charges.
As many as 100 people are reportedly still missing after the recent violence, the scale of which prompted the president to send in troops to secure Cobija.
The violence subsided and the blockades were lifted as the two sides began negotiations, but many opponents of the government simply do not believe the president, our correspondent says.
They blame the government and its indigenous supporters for instigating the violence, he adds.