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Indigenous Colombians Join National Anti-Government Protests

VOA News

   Thousands of indigenouspeoples in Colombiaare planning to join a
   national strike this week after staging amass protestMondayin Bogota,
   insisting the government change its economic and social policies.

   Protesters are also demandingan end to violence against social leaders
   and mass killings.

   Indigenous leaders refused to meet with a delegation sent by President
   IvanDuque,saying they wanted to meet directly with the Colombian
   leader.

   President Duquesaidnothingjustifies placing our health and life at
   riskat the moment. He said if we have discussions, let's have them
   within the framework of democracy, without issuing a summons or
   ultimatums, or invoking judgments that have nobasis in reality.He added
   the dialogue should be sectorial and timelywith regard tothe issues of
   the regions, as we have already had.

   Indigenous groups are expected to join Wednesday'splanned
   nationalstrike set up byunions othergroups.

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