Physicians, Universities Strike in Bolivia

[Judi Lynn]

Physicians, Universities Strike in Bolivia

La Paz, Jul 20 (Prensa Latina) A physicians strike Wednesday paralyzed public health services and social security, the Medical Council reported, while the state universities announced similar actions for tomorrow.

The Council president Fernando Arandia said in a phone interview the stoppage is not seeking wage increases, but fulfillment of the agreement signed with the government, referring to promotions, the workforce, infrastructure, and other issues.

Roberto Aguilar, president of the Universidad Mayor de San Andres in La Paz, stated that state higher education centers will stop work on Thursday to demand a larger assignment of resources from oil revenue.

La Paz Police chief Colonel Hernan Jaimes confirmed the closing of the main street by farmers protesting at the appointment of Chua community as a sub-provincial capital, whilst the Government called for dialogue between all parties to avoid more damage to tourism.
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http://www.plenglish.com/article.asp?ID=%7B15C7DE7F-A609-4633-8AD2-ECD3DC1E3CED%7D&language=EN

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U.S. to help Bolivia deter rioters
LA PAZ, Bolivia, July 19 (UPI) -- The U.S. State Department is looking for ways to better protect and arm the Bolivian military and police by providing them with riot gear.

A U.S. official in La Paz told United Press International Tuesday that the United States is "exploring with the government of Bolivia their ability to resolve demonstration in a non-lethal way."

The State Department has said it needs defense companies to beginning bidding on an order for riot gear for nearly 4,000 Bolivian troops and other non-lethal crowd-control equipment.

Concerns regarding Bolivia's crowd-control capabilities were sparked anew last month when tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets to denounce the administration of President Carlos Mesa, who eventually resigned.
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http://www.sciencedaily.com/upi/?feed=TopNews&article=UPI-1-20050719-15192900-bc-bolivia-us.xml