Bolivia to give land to poor

Leaders in Bolivia's wealthiest region are expressing alarm after the leftist government announced plans to redistribute up to 140 000km2 of land to the poor - starting in about three weeks.

Most of the land lies in the eastern lowlands of Santa Cruz province, a vital agricultural region.

The powerful Santa Cruz Civic Committee has called on President Evo Morales to first hold discussions with provincial Governor Ruben Costas and local business groups.

Costas offered to launch a parallel plan for "democratic and egalitarian" land reform.

Morales's government says much of the land was obtained illegally and is not being used to grow crops.