Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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Bolivian Protesters Lift Blockades
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=C4498A:2AB91D3

Protesters began clearing roads Wednesday after lower house of
Congress partially met their demands for higher taxes on oil companies
Bolivian anti-government demonstrators have begun dismantling
roadblocks they set up nationwide weeks ago over the president's
energy policy.

The protesters began clearing the roads Wednesday after the lower
house of Congress partially met their demands for higher taxes on oil
companies.

President Carlos Mesa wants to open the energy sector to more foreign
investment, but the protesters say they fear those plans will lead to
the looting of the country's natural wealth.

President Mesa also says tax increases will drive away foreign
investment. On Tuesday, the president said he would ask Congress to
approve elections in August, two years early, citing his inability to
end the blockades.

Meanwhile, the United States says it stands ready to work with the
international community to help Bolivia through its electoral crisis.