Government begin talks with opposition governors

The Bolivian government began talks with four opposition governors on 18 September 2008 in the city of Cochabamba. The meeting also included observers from the European Union, United Nations, representatives from the Union of South American Nations and the Catholic Church. The talks are aimed at ending the ongoing political crisis that has resulted in deadly violence in the Amazon region of Bolivia. The two sides are expected to discuss various issues, including the distribution of hydro-carbon profits and the autonomy demands of the various opposition regions. Officials have stated that the negotiations will continue until the dispute is resolved.