Morales opponents call for civil strike in Bolivia
August 15, 2008 - Intn'l Herald Tribune (The Associated Press)

LA PAZ, Bolivia: Five opposition governors are declaring a strike next week in Bolivia, vowing to "radicalize" tactics after talks with President Evo Morales stalled.

Santa Cruz senior state official Carlos Dabdoub says Morales has ignored their concerns, and his representatives are no longer welcome in their states.

The governors are asking Morales to refund state shares of oil and natural gas income that his left-leaning government has used to give stipends to elderly Bolivians.

They also are seeking autonomy, and have proposed creating their own regional legislature.

Presidential spokesman Ivan Canelas accused the governors of ignoring their constituents.

About 67 percent of voters backed Morales in a recall referendum last Sunday.