Domestic political unrest increases tension with US

On 11 September 2008, domestic political unrest, which has been ongoing for almost three weeks, led to a violent confrontation between opponents and supporters of President Evo Morales in the northern department of Pando. At least eight people were killed in the confrontation, which occurred in the region of Provenir, located approximately 20 mi/30 km from Cobija, the department's capital; more than 30 people were injured. Each side blamed the other for provoking the violence. According to local media, the situation in Cobija is calm but tense. Tensions are also high in Santa Cruz, another anti-Morales stronghold. At one point, demonstrations reportedly escalated into street fighting in Santa Cruz, prompting American Airlines officials to suspend twice-weekly flights to the city's Viru Viru International Airport (SLVR/VVI). There have been no reports of other announcements from major air carriers regarding flights into Santa Cruz. Local sources in Bolivia indicate that the airport is open and operating normally at this time and that all roads leading to the airport are clear. National authorities are reportedly in the process of deploying military forces to Santa Cruz and to hydrocarbon installations. The hydrocarbon industry is concentrated in opposition-controlled areas and, for approximately 19 days now, anti-Morales protesters have taken over, blocked or vandalized infrastructure, slowing natural gas exports to Argentina and Brazil. A report from a regional media source stated that the protests have resulted in shortages of hydrocarbons and food items but did not specify the extent of the shortfall or which parts of the country were affected. The unrest in Bolivia has adversely affected diplomatic relations between that country and the United States. Morales expelled the U.S. ambassador to Bolivia, accusing him of inciting the anti-government protests. The U.S. government, in return, ordered the Bolivian ambassador to leave the U.S. As a show of solidarity with Morales, on 12 September Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez demanded that the U.S. ambassador in Caracas leave within 72 hours; in response, the U.S. government expelled the Venezuelan ambassador to the United States. An attempt by Bolivia's neighbours to mediate between Morales and the opposition is currently on hold.