14 nov 2008

Bolivia Heralds End of Pando Siege


La Paz, Nov 13 (Prensa Latina) Bolivian President Evo Morales announced on Thursday that the state of siege in the department of Pando will be lifted on November 23 at the maximum.

"The measure will not last forever, I understand the people's request to extend it but we have to abide by the current regulations", said Morales.

The Bolivian president also said that the government will find the mechanisms to protect the citizens after the siege is lifted.

Bolivian social organizations and citizens are requesting Morales to keep the state of siege in Pando, where at least 20 people were killed and dozens disappeared as a consequence of last September disturbances.

The opposition is, meanwhile, using the extraordinary measure currently in force to adjourn the January 25 constitutional vote.