Bolivia rejects OAS intervention in internal crisis
Bolivia rejects any kind of intervention in its internal affairs by the Organization of American States (OAS), the Bolivian Foreign Ministry said Thursday.

"The social difficulties faced by the country will be sorted out by the Bolivian people within the framework of their institutions and democratic mechanisms," the ministry said in a statement.

It added that the country's constitution has not been revised "to justify a mediation" from the international community or "friend countries," according to reports from La Paz, the administrative capital of Bolivia.

The statement came after the OAS said it may discuss the political situation in Bolivia at a general assembly session, which will be held next week in the United States.

The current unrest in Bolivia was sparked by a law passed by the congress imposing a 50-percent tax on foreign oil and gas companies operating in the country.

Opponents first demanded higher taxes but gradually turned their demand to the resignation of President Carlos Mesa, the nationalization of the lucrative oil and gas industry, the closing of the congress and a call for a constitutional assembly.

Argentine Ambassador to Bolivia Horacio Mercado said last week that Bolivia has turned down an offer from Argentina to mediate in its internal conflict.