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Page last updated at 15:54 GMT, Monday, 10 May 2010 16:54 UK

Bolivians stage indefinite general strike

Bolivia map

Bolivia's main trade union has called for an indefinite general strike following a week of intense rallies and riots.

Bolivians have been protesting against a government-decreed 5% wage increase, calling for a bigger increase.

These are the first such protests facing President Evo Morales since he took office in January 2006.

The government confirmed late on Sunday the death of one protester in clashes with police that took place on Friday.

These seem like troubled times for Bolivia's indigenous president, the man seen as the champion of the poor indigenous masses, says the BBC's Andres Schipani in La Paz.

Many believe the protests might damage his widespread popularity.

March on capital

Strikes and rallies against the Bolivian government's wage policy have marked the end of the honeymoon period between the left-wing Mr Morales and his power base among the country's poor.

The strike - and the demonstrations - are organised by a group of leaders of Bolivia's main trade union.

The union has called for members to march towards the capital for a large demonstration.

Bolivian officials have accused the US of fomenting the general strike, our correspondent adds.

On Friday, one protester was killed and several people, including police officers, were wounded in clashes, according to Bolivian officials.

The protesters in Caranavi, north-east of La Paz, said they were demonstrating to press their demand for a fruit-processing plant to be built in their region - but the government has dismissed the demand as a pretext for violence.



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