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Posted: Nate on Jul 05 | Indigenous & Culture, Law & Justice
Indigenous groups that have been marching toward La Paz from Trinidad for several days halted the march in order to negotiate with government officials. The protesters, representing lowland indigenous groups, have been marching on La Paz in order to be included in a new law granting increased autonomy to indigenous groups. Community Lands of Origen (TCO), one organization supporting the march, halted its calls for inclusion after all-night negotiations with MAS senators. The march will break in Ascención de Guayaros, near the halfway point of the march, while organizers await Thursday´s vote on whether last night´s agreement will be included in the law.
In addition to the TCO march, delegates from the Confederation of Indigenous Peoples of Bolivia (CIDOB) will arrive in La Paz today to present their proposal to Congress´ Mixed Commission on Autonomy, representing both legislative chambers. According to José Bailaba, president of CIDOB´s Political Commission, “The agreement is based in eight important themes and we believe that this is most representative of the interests of the sector.” Mr. Bailaba continued saying that CIDOB´s proposal will only focus on suggestions related to the Legal Framework on Autonomy and will not address disputed land prices or the official recognition of TCO.
Amid this push for indigenous autonomy, the Minister of Autonomy, Carlos Romero, has accused the non-governmental agency the Center for Judicial Studies and Social Investigation (CEJIS) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) of clandestinely supporting CIDOB and the march from Trinidad. While Mr. Romero did not name sources for his claims, he did say that his suspicions are in agreement with those of the government and expressed concern that outside sources were wielding disproportionate influence over CIDOB and its proposals.
For more in Spanish see:
http://www.laprensa.com.bo/noticias/5-7-2010/noticias/05-07-2010_327.php
http://www.laprensa.com.bo/noticias/5-7-2010/noticias/05-07-2010_329.php
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