|
Bolivian president, protesting
miners sign reconciliation deal
Bolivian President Evo Morales
and leaders of mining companies
signed a reconciliation deal on
Wednesday, putting an end to a
two-day demonstration by miners
over a proposed increase in
mining tax, reports reaching
here said.
The deal came after hours of
negotiations between the two
sides.
"I'd never thought about
stamping out mining
cooperatives, as some have
said...This government belongs
to the grassroots governments,
they (mining cooperatives) have
been part of this government and
they have to continue," Morales
said after the meeting.
More than 20,000 miners across
Bolivia took to the streets
Monday to protest President
Morales' proposed mining tax
hike, which angered independent
mining cooperatives.
The helmet-wearing miners tossed
dynamite sticks around and
clashed with police in La Paz,
causing chaos.
Four police were injured and one
miner arrested in the clashes.
|
|
