President Evo Morales has called for the expulsion of the U.S. ambassador

Reports published on 10 September 2008 indicate that President Evo Morales has called for the expulsion of the U.S. ambassador for allegedly encouraging the opposition. The move by Morales came after opposition groups provoked severe incidents of social unrest in Santa Cruz, where several public buildings were occupied and looted. Less violent protests also occurred in the departments of Tarija, Chuquisaca, Beni and Pando. In Chuquisaca, opposition groups blocked 26 gas wells, and in Tarija, opposition groups are being blamed for a pipeline explosion that cut natural gas exports to Brazil. The explosion is believed to have been caused by the closing of a valve, which caused a build up of pressure. In response, government supporters blocked highways that connect the central province of Cochabamba with the eastern province of Santa Cruz. Opposition groups from Santa Cruz, Beni, Pando and Tarija provinces are demanding that Morales abandon a plan to hold a referendum on a new constitution. Protesters also want their regions to receive a greater share of state energy revenues. Protests have been going on for at least 18 days and are expected to continue.