Bolivia protest leaves two dead

[Bacchus39]

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/08/06/bolivia.protest/index.html

Bolivia protest leaves two deadStory Highlights
Report: Miners attack a fleet of vehicles, burn a bus and try to destroy a bridge

Miners seek dialogue in light of the casualties

Police officers were among the injured

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(CNN) -- Two people were killed, and at least 30 injured, in a confrontation between miners and police at a mine in central Bolivia, a Bolivian news agency reported.

Up to 4,000 miners have blockaded roads for more than a week in a dispute over pensions at the Huanuni mine in Caihuasi, about 115 miles (185 km) from the national capital at La Paz.

The protest turned violent Tuesday when miners attacked a fleet of vehicles, burned a public bus and tried to destroy a bridge with explosives, the Bolivian Information Agency reported, citing a government version of events.

Pedro Montes, the leader of a miners' organization, said the miners have asked to talk with the government in light of the violence. The workers' group plans an emergency meeting Wednesday to discuss the crisis, he said.

"Our colleagues are asking for dialogue because there are already two people dead, several injured ... ," Montes said. Several police officers were among the injured.

One of the dead men worked as an electrician at the mine, the news agency said, but no occupation or affiliation was given for the other. Their causes of death have not been determined, the news agency said.

[Bacchus39]

1. Summit canceled in Bolivia as 2 killed in protests

TARIJA, Bolivia - The leaders of Venezuela and Argentina canceled a trip to Bolivia on Tuesday after two people were killed and many were injured during protests across the country before a recall vote facing President Evo Morales.

Dozens of protesters tried to storm the main airport in Tarija in southern Bolivia, forcing Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and Argentine President Cristina Fernandez to call off a trip to the area, which is rich in natural gas, for energy talks with Morales.

The deaths and injuries occurred in clashes between police and workers near Bolivia's largest tin mine, Huanuni, where miners are demanding higher pensions.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25970388/