"Protesters take over Bolivian airport"

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Protesters take over Bolivian airport
United Press International


SANTA CRUZ, Bolivia, (UPI) -- About 7,000 people urged on by their local
governor swarmed the airport in Santa Cruz Friday, a day after Bolivian
federal troops took control of it. 

The confrontation centered on whether airlines should pay fees to the local
government or national airport authority, but was driven by underlying
tensions over the local government's attempts to carve more autonomy from
President Evo Morales' socialist federal government, Mercopress reported
Saturday.

The left-leaning Morales sent 220 troops to the airport Thursday and used
tear gas when protesters showed up. But Friday, the troops withdrew without
confronting the demonstrators, who shouted "This is ours" and waved flags as
they stood on the runway and occupied airport hallways, the news agency
said.

Ruben Costas, governor of Santa Cruz, said the soldiers left "with their
tails between their legs."

However, Morales went on TV to say he ordered the troops to withdraw to
prevent violence. At least two soldiers were wounded Thursday and hospitals
reported another 20 people were injured.

The airport is located in Bolivia's richest and most pro-business province.

 Do you have an opinion about this story?
Share it with other readers in our CAA Discussion Forums

http://www.californiaaviation.org/dcfp/dcboard.php


*****************************************