BOLIVIAN SECURITY FORCES USE TEAR GAS TO ATTEMPT TO IMPEDE THE MARCH FOR
LIFE AND SOVEREIGNTY'S ARRIVAL IN LA PAZ---THREAT OF STATE OF EMERGENCY

April 23, 2001

Prepared by the Andean Information Network

MARCH FOR LIFE AND SOVEREIGNTY

At approximately 12:00 p.m. today Bolivian Police used tear gas to disperse
marchers arriving from El Alto in the Faro Murillo Plaza. There are
unconfirmed reports that police used rubber pellets and that there are
several people wounded.

Marchers continue to attempt to reach the San Francisco Plaza.

GROUP FROM LA PAZ YUNGAS

At the same time security forces used tear gas to disperse marchers from the
Yungas in Villa Fatima, a La Paz neighborhood. Union leaders report that
police detained 5 coca growers. The majority of the marchers from this group
have sought cover in the San Andres University. Police have surrounded the
University.

Yungas union leaders (COFECAY) state that road blockades in their region
could begin at any time.

POSSIBLE STATE OF EMERGENCY

Police sources suggest that a state of emergency (estado de sitio) could be
called at any time. We are working to confirm this information.

We will send out a complete report later this evening.

For more information please contact: paz@albatros.cnb.net or
kledebur@albatros.cnb.net

Read more on Bolivia at http://www.1worldcommunication.org

Ravi Khanna, Director
1world communication
P. O. Box 2476
Amherst, MA 01004
Phone: 413-323-7629
Cell: 413-530-9640
Fax: 413-323-9348
E-mail: oneworld@igc.org
Web-site: http://www.1worldcommunication.org

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Yours in struggle,
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