Bolivia's Mesa urges early elections
Bolivian President Carlos Mesa says elections are the only way to stop the demonstrations spreading through the capital La Paz.

Mesa appealed to Congress and parliament, saying elections are the only way to stop the demonstrations spreading through the capital La Paz. He said his decision on Monday to step down is "final".

Tens of thousands of protestors have been demonstrating in recent weeks, demanding that the government nationalize the energy industry and oppose the autonomy of Santa Cruz province.

Bolivian congress president Hormando Vaca Diez said early Tuesday that congress would hold a session Thursday to decide whether to accept Mesa's resignation.