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Bolivian President Mesa to Resign
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=C0C1C5:2AB91D3

Decision comes amid waves of protests in South American country
Bolivian President Carlos Mesa has announced he will step down as
president, amid a wave of protests in the South American country.

Mr. Mesa said in a radio and television broadcast Sunday night he will
formally offer his resignation to the Bolivian Congress Monday.

Recent protests have blocked roads in the country and forced the
government to deploy the military to maintain control of some of
Bolivia's oil fields.

In January, as tens of thousands of protesters called for greater
autonomy, Mr. Mesa agreed to allow the Santa Cruz province to elect
its own leaders and hold a referendum on its autonomy. He also agreed
to scale back dramatic fuel price increases.

The Santa Cruz province is home to a quarter of Bolivia's eight
million people and nearly a third of its economic output.

Some information provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.


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