Troops deployed to guard natural gas infrastructure

Reports on 9 September 2008 indicate that Bolivia's government has deployed troops to guard the natural gas infrastructure to guarantee exports to Argentina and Brazil amid protests against President Evo Morales. Protesters in eastern and central Bolivia have blocked roads and stormed public buildings for almost 15 days, 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. Opposition governors have issued a statement vowing to step up protests against the government. They have also stated that their supporters may attack natural gas facilities.