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Deadly Bolivia clashes continue Truce halts Bolivia mine violence
(about 6 hours later)
The Bolivian government is sending 700 troops to a tin mine as clashes between rival miners enter a second day. A truce has been called in a violent confrontation between miners in Bolivia that has left 16 dead and more than 60 injured, government officials say.
So far at least 21 people have been killed in the worst violence President Evo Morales has faced since coming to office in January. The truce will allow the state-employed and independent miners to discuss a solution to the control of the key tin mine in the town of Huanuni.
The fighting began when miners of an independent co-operative seized control of a state-owned mine demanding greater access. Staff there counter-attacked. The two days of clashes are a major test for President Evo Morales, who sent in 700 police to quell violence.
Both sides have been fighting each other with guns and dynamite.Both sides have been fighting each other with guns and dynamite.
Major test 'Flags of peace'
The two groups of miners had agreed to halt fighting in order to bury the dead on Friday, but the fighting has continued. The fighting began when miners from an independent co-operative seized control of a state-owned mine demanding greater access.
The BBC's Damian Kahya in La Paz says the conflict is being seen as a major test for the government of President Evo Morales - who was elected in December 2005 with strong support from miners. Staff at the mine, 280km (175 miles) south of the capital La Paz, counter-attacked.
The Huanuni mine is 280km (175 miles) south of the capital La Paz, in the key mining region of Bolivia. The two groups of miners had overnight on Thursday agreed to halt fighting in order to bury the dead, although the fighting then continued.
It contains some of the world's largest tin deposits. But the 700-strong police force sent on Friday morning took control of Posokoni mountain where much of the fighting occurred.
"They have come down the mountain bearing flags of peace," said Lt Col Vladmir Suazmabar.
Huanuni produces 5% of the world's tin.
The BBC's Damian Kahya in La Paz says the conflict is being seen as a major test for the government of President Morales - who was elected in December 2005 with strong support from miners.
Bolivia is accustomed to political instability but nothing like this, especially between indigenous groups, our correspondent says.
Last month, state-employed miners blocked Bolivia's main roads, demanding more jobs in the mine.Last month, state-employed miners blocked Bolivia's main roads, demanding more jobs in the mine.
The government negotiated an end to that blockade but is now being criticised for not sending in sufficient forces to keep the two sides from violence.The government negotiated an end to that blockade but is now being criticised for not sending in sufficient forces to keep the two sides from violence.
Vice President Alvaro Garcia Linera said: "Something that should have been a blessing for the country has been turned into a curse."