Bolivia, New Approach to Mining Fracas

The beginning of negotiations at Bolivia´s Government Palace and the sending of 700 police to restore order in southern Huanuni were announced on Friday, as new measures to return peace to the mining region.

Presidential spokesman Alex Contreras said the armed institution´s participation has been welcomed by the population and the wage-earning miners and cooperative members, the two sectors in conflict.

The Bolivian Mining Workers Union Federation and the Bolivian Mining Cooperative Member Federation exhorted their members today to abandon their violent stance.

Vice Minister for Coordination with Social Movements Alfredo Rada announced that national mining federation and union leaders have been called to meet in La Paz .

There will be negotiations also in southern Oruro Department, because they are trying to reach an agreement by any means to avoid new fatalities, 13 so far, he said.

National Police Chief Gen. Isaac Pimentel explained that the police reinforcements would fulfill four basic tasks that include protecting the population.