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Bolivian police, protesters clash over used car ban
16 Dec 2008 00:51:20 GMT
 Source: Reuters
LA PAZ, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets on Monday to break up a protest by Bolivians angry over a new government law banning the import of older used cars, killing at least one person.

The government of President Evo Morales issued a decree earlier this month prohibiting importers from bringing cars manufactured before 2004 into the country, saying they posed an environmental and safety risk.

Some Bolivians who work in the car import industry blocked a key road on Monday in protest.

One protester was killed when a rubber bullet hit him on the neck, Bolivian daily La Razon reported on its website.

Deputy Interior Minister Marcos Farfan confirmed the death and said three policemen were injured while dispersing protesters blocking the road linking Bolivia's administrative capital La Paz with the central Oruro city.

Protest leader Jaime Rueda, speaking to local radio Erbol, warned more protests were possible because thousands of jobs are at risk.

Most vehicles in South America's poorest country are tattered cars imported from Asia via ports in neighboring Chile.

The government estimates that most of the 10,000 vehicles imported into Bolivia every month are at least 10 years old.

"We want the vehicles coming into Bolivia to ... be safe and not pollute," deputy Finance Minister Roberto Ugarte told the state-run television network.

Although recent polls indicate that leftist President Morales is highly popular, trade unions often turn to roadblocks and rallies to protest against government policies they think could threaten their livelihoods. (Editing by Mohammad Zargham)


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Bolivia's President Evo Morales (C) waves as he joins workers and indigenous leaders in a march towards La Paz, October 20, 2008. Thousands of supporters of Morales march toward La Paz ...


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Last updated:Tue Dec 16 00:52:53 2008