Potentential for violence & transportation disruptions

Talks between President Evo Morales and opposition governors in four southeastern provinces ended on 14 August 2008 without any agreement to resolve the country’s political stalemate following the 10 August referendum. The dispute stems from disagreements over Morales’ socialist reforms and the southeastern provinces’ efforts to achieve greater autonomy. Morales has announced plans to hold a national referendum on his proposed constitutional reforms that would strengthen the presidency. The opposition plans to stage a civic strike in several provinces on 19 August. Travellers should anticipate potentially violence between protesters and security forces and widespread transportation disruptions in the provinces of Santa Cruz, Beni, Pando and Tarija.