The Hindu : International : Bolivian Opposition scepticist

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Wednesday, Jun 08, 2005

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International

Bolivian Opposition scepticist

LA PAZ: Bolivia's Congress was expected to meet Tuesday to decide who should succeed President Carlos Mesa after he announced he was stepping down amid angry protests demanding nationalisation of the gas industry.

``It is my responsibility to say that this is as far as I can go,'' Mr. Mesa said on national television late on Monday, holding back tears. ``For that reason my decision is to offer my resignation from my post as President of the Republic,'' he added, asking protesters to allow Congress to debate his successor.

``The solution to our problems must be based on the interests of all,'' he said. Mr. Mesa took on the presidency 20 months ago after his predecessor, Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada, was driven from office, also by demonstrations over control of gas reserves.

Congress President Hormando Vaca Diaz called for a meeting to elect Mr. Mesa's successor. Mr. Diaz is next in the line of succession, followed by the Speaker of the House of Deputies and the Supreme Court President. Opposition leaders were sceptical of Mr. Mesa's announcement, recalling that on March 7 also he tendered his resignation only to have Congress reject it a few hours later. — AFP

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