Bolivia, 6/8/2005: Into the 4th week of fierce mobilizations and nationwide blockades, the popular social movements of Bolivia have demonstrated a deep distrust of the political structure and unwavering strength of purpose in their demands. President Carlos Mesa resigned on June 6 under heavy pressure to nationalize hydrocarbons; U.S. Ambassador Greenlee has reportedly fled with his family. "We will continue working so that we have participation in the government, because otherwise, we are always going to work for others and that must change...someday we must be the government. Neither with the resignation of Mesa nor with elections will the problems be solved," says Abel Mamani, Aymara leader of the El Alto Federation of Neighborhood Committees (FEJUVE). In 2003, the FEJUVE lead the fight to overthrow Gonzalo Sanchez de Losada, who had privatized strategic companies.

Yesterday's street battles left 12 wounded, with 2 in the operating room of the General Hospital of La Paz. The police seized 1000 dynamite charges. 4 farmers were also wounded. People raised barricades in the streets bordering the San Francisco Plaza. Thousands of miners and indigenas faced several hours of intense tear gas from the police yesterday. From San Francisco Plaza to the Prado (main street) a white cloud covers the bordering avenue and streets, according to journalists.

Traditional parties are hoping for the presidential succession of Diez Vaca, the "man" of the transnational companies and Santa Cruz oligarchy, where the natural gas resources are located. International solidarity with the fight of the people of Bolivia has been requested. Live radio | Reports: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Read more at Zmag, Counterpunch and Narconews | Photos at Indymedia Bolivia