Venezuela, Russia Aid Fight -- Washington TimesProvincial rebellion has larger implications
The government of President Evo Morales is lining up military support from Russia and boosting ties with Venezuela as it battles a rebellion in its energy-rich eastern provinces.
The revolt reflects opposition to Mr. Morales' plans to redistribute land and revenue from natural gas exports to Bolivia's Indian majority under a new constitution that would also allow Mr. Morales to be re-elected for 10 more years.
Government opponents - based mainly in the eastern lowland provinces - say Venezuelan soldiers fought alongside government supporters in Pando province, where at least a dozen people were killed during a Sept. 11 gunbattle.
Pando Gov. Leopoldo Fernandez and at least 16 local officials have been arrested, and residents of Pando accuse government troops of a crackdown that includes summary arrests and severe beatings.
Vice President Alvaro Garcia Linera defended the government action in Pando.
"We are dealing terrorist crimes against the state," he said in response to reports of government brutality.
The government of President Evo Morales is lining up military support from Russia and boosting ties with Venezuela as it battles a rebellion in its energy-rich eastern provinces.
The revolt reflects opposition to Mr. Morales' plans to redistribute land and revenue from natural gas exports to Bolivia's Indian majority under a new constitution that would also allow Mr. Morales to be re-elected for 10 more years.
Government opponents - based mainly in the eastern lowland provinces - say Venezuelan soldiers fought alongside government supporters in Pando province, where at least a dozen people were killed during a Sept. 11 gunbattle.
Pando Gov. Leopoldo Fernandez and at least 16 local officials have been arrested, and residents of Pando accuse government troops of a crackdown that includes summary arrests and severe beatings.
Vice President Alvaro Garcia Linera defended the government action in Pando.
"We are dealing terrorist crimes against the state," he said in response to reports of government brutality.
Government opponents - based mainly in the eastern lowland provinces - say Venezuelan soldiers fought alongside government supporters in Pando province, where at least a dozen people were killed during a Sept. 11 gunbattle.
Pando Gov. Leopoldo Fernandez and at least 16 local officials have been arrested, and residents of Pando accuse government troops of a crackdown that includes summary arrests and severe beatings.
Vice President Alvaro Garcia Linera defended the government action in Pando.
"We are dealing terrorist crimes against the state," he said in response to reports of government brutality.
Read more ....
My Comment: This heavy handedness by the government will only further destabilize an economy that is already going through expropriation and nationalization. Misery will be the long term result of these actions.
Pando Gov. Leopoldo Fernandez and at least 16 local officials have been arrested, and residents of Pando accuse government troops of a crackdown that includes summary arrests and severe beatings.
Vice President Alvaro Garcia Linera defended the government action in Pando.
"We are dealing terrorist crimes against the state," he said in response to reports of government brutality.
Read more ....
My Comment: This heavy handedness by the government will only further destabilize an economy that is already going through expropriation and nationalization. Misery will be the long term result of these actions.