Bolivian ministers held hostage

La Paz
Three Bolivian ministers have been taken hostage in the border town of Puerto Suarez by local officials who want the government to approve a Brazilian company's mining project in the area, says defence minister Walker San Miguel.

San Miguel said: "They are being held, practically as hostages, by residents of that town who are demanding ... that the national government grant an environmental licence to the EBX company."

He identified the three officials as minister of planning and development Carlos Villegas, minister of economic development Celinda Sosa and minister of mining and metals Walter Villarroel.

San Miguel demanded "the immediate release" of his three colleagues, who had traveled to Puerto Suarez to avert an indefinite strike.
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