Bolivian leaders seek crisis exit

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Bolivian President Evo Morales has met regional governors to try to resolve deep differences over his plans for constitutional reform.

Last month, leaders of four regions declared autonomy after a draft constitution was adopted at an assembly attended only by Mr Morales's allies.

The reforms, which still need to be put to the popular vote, would give more power to the poor indigenous majority.

The row has sharpened regional and ethnic divisions in Bolivia.

President Morales struck a conciliatory note as he opened the meeting with the nine regional governors.

"When there are no sectarian ambitions, it's possible to understand each other for the good of the country," he said.

"I want to build a national accord for a new country that gives dignity to Bolivia."

"We all want peace and unity but in a dialogue there are some things that you cannot negotiate, which are principles and laws," Reuters quoted Ruben Costas, the governor of Santa Cruz province as saying.

Mr Costas has been spearheading the drive for autonomy from the central government.

Revenues

The lowland regions of Santa Cruz, Beni, Pando and Tarija include the country's vital natural gas reserves and are home to important agribusinesses.

<a class="" href="/1/hi/world/americas/7138994.stm">Will Bolivia's splits widen?</a>

One of the biggest disputes is over the distribution of revenue from natural gas exports between the regions and the central government.

Critics say the draft new constitution is illegal because it was forced through the constituent assembly without the presence of the opposition.

Mr Morales, Bolivia's first indigenous president, made rewriting the constitution a key part of his reform agenda to give the indigenous majority greater political power.

Among the proposals are allowing two consecutive five-year terms for presidents, greater state control of the economy and more autonomy for indigenous communities.

There were frequent demonstrations - both for and against - during the debate over constitutional reforms, with protests sometimes turning violent.

After hours of discussion into early Tuesday morning, Mr Morales proposed that several commissions be set up to study the issues and that the talks resume later in the day, the Associated Press reported.