Paz Pledges Dialogue in Bolivia but Warns 'Everything Has a Limit'

Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz stated he will make "every effort" to engage in dialogue with protesting social sectors, but cautioned that "everything has a limit." This comes after clashes and disturbances during an operation to clear a main road in the Andean region, which has been blocked by groups demanding his resignation. Paz, who assumed office six months ago, emphasized that rationality, not politics, should prevail to restore normalcy and allow governance.

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I will make every effort from the cabinet, from the government for dialogue, but everything has a limit and that will depend a lot on these days, on this weekend, where a series of meetings are being generated.

The president identified the ongoing conflicts as concentrated in the Andean region, specifically on the strategic highway between La Paz and Oruro. This route is vital for importing fuel to the capital. Paz clarified that the rest of the country is not experiencing similar unrest, countering reports that might suggest widespread national turmoil. He affirmed that his administration would utilize all constitutional measures, prioritizing respect for life and dialogue.

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I hope that rationality, not politics, nor the political attitude of some, but rationality, is what prevails to generate normality and start governing.

Paz described the operation to open a "humanitarian corridor" as an effort to deliver food to La Paz and El Alto, the cities most affected by the protests. He stated that the operation encountered "aggressive groups" with political agendas, while acknowledging that other sectors have legitimate demands that can be addressed through dialogue. The military and police operation to clear the highway resulted in violent confrontations, vandalism against state institutions, and the re-establishment of roadblocks by various groups demanding Paz's ouster.

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These are the sections that are in conflict. The rest of the country is not in conflict.

Protesters, including Aymara peasants from the highlands, the Bolivian Workers' Central (COB), and supporters of former President Evo Morales, are calling for Paz's resignation. In recent days, road blockades have spread to regions like Cochabamba, Santa Cruz, Potosí, and Chuquisaca. Demonstrators attempted to halt the convoy's advance by detonating dynamite and using slingshots to hurl stones at vehicles, shattering windows, prompting police to respond with tear gas.

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That is what we are doing. Later we will make the decisions that need to be made.