Agreement not yet reached

Sources reported on 23 September 2008 that President Evo Morales and opposition governors have not yet reached an agreement in the ongoing talks to resolve the political crisis in the country. The two sides have agreed to continue negotiations on 25 September and have stated that they will engage in talks until a compromise is reached. However, Vice President Alvaro Linera stated on 22 September that there is some doubt as to the willingness of the opposition to sign any form of compromise. As the negotiations began to stall after four days, government supporters in Santa Cruz reiterated their plans to hold a mass march converging on the city center of Santa Cruz on 24 September, which is expected to draw an estimated 20,000 - 30,000 people. The government has warned that if the current talks do not lead to any consensus, it may assert electoral majority and pass the new constitution without the support of the opposition.