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World






Posted on Sat, Feb. 15, 2003
Bolivia Calls for Human Rights Probe

Associated Press

Bolivia called on international human rights groups Saturday to investigate the shooting deaths of 13 people in rioting that swept the capital last week.

Government officials said President Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada would appeal to activists to probe the deaths of four soldiers and nine police officers killed during demonstrations in La Paz's central plaza Wednesday.

Rights groups in Bolivia blasted the government's heavy-handed response to the protests, criticizing the use of live ammunition and tanks to break up the demonstrations.

"The president has asked the foreign minister to call on the Organization of American States to help," government spokesman Mauricio Antesana said.

He also hoped the organization would identify a group to lead the investigation.

Witnesses and reporters said unidentified gunmen fired into the crowd from nearby rooftops.

Clashes between soldiers and striking police and protesters left 22 people dead and about 140 people injured. Protesters also torched 12 government buildings.

The disturbances began when 7,000 police officers seeking a 40 percent raise walked off the job to protest government plans for a new tax to reduce the budget deficit, as required by the International Monetary Fund for new emergency loans.

Meanwhile, opposition leaders supported a series of marches planned next week to demand the president's ouster.

Evo Morales, the leader of the nation's coca growers and a runner-up in last year's presidential elections, urged thousands of farmers and peasants to join a national strike being organized by Bolivia's largest union.

"We will march until the president resigns," Morales said.

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