U.S. Department of State organising flights for U.S. citizens who want to leave

On 16 September 2008 the U.S. Department of State announced that it is organizing flights for U.S. citizens who want to leave Bolivia due to the growing unrest there. Reports state that the embassy is trying to organize one or two flights for citizens who want to leave and who are willing to pay for transportation out of the country. The flights will ferry the passengers to Lima, Peru. The embassy had previously authorized the departure of dependents of State Department employees and of non-essential personnel. The political crisis began when opposition governors from resource rich eastern provinces revolted against President Evo Morales' government reforms, resulting in violent anti-government protests. The political crisis continues, but opposition governors have agreed to negotiations with the government, despite the arrest of an opposition governor. Reports indicate that at least 30 people have been killed in the violence, while at least 100 more are missing.