-Caveat Lector- U.S. advises against overland travel in Bolivia WASHINGTON, Sept 29 (Reuters) - The United States on Friday advised Americans to avoid travelling by land in Bolivia, where at least eight Bolivians have been killed in the past two weeks in protests at government policies. In parallel, the U.S. State Department said the demands and tactics of the growers of coca, the primary ingredient in cocaine, who are disrupting traffic are "destructive to Bolivia"s national interests." The United States supports Bolivian President Hugo Banzer"s plan to rid the country of illegal coca, it added. The plan has angered peasants who depend on coca for their livelihood. The State Department said that the protests have not specifically targeted Americans. But at least one foreigner, a Canadian, was beaten when he left the hotel where 21 foreign tourists have taken refuge in fear of the protesters. "Travel to any of the usual tourist attractions, such as Copacabana on Lake Titicaca or Sorata, a favourite destination for backpackers, is dangerous," it said. "U.S. citizens travelling in Bolivia are strongly advised to avoid overland travel. Air travel to Bolivia"s major cities has not been interrupted but U.S. citizens are urged to monitor local news sources and to consult with the Embassy before commencing travel," it added. The other statement said the United States and the international community "fully support Bolivian President Banzer"s Plan Dignidad to rid the country of illegal coca." "As President Bill Clinton told President Banzer in New York (earlier this month), the United States has matched word with deed in this support," it added. It noted that the United States had forgiven Bolivia debt worth $450 during the 1990s and provides more than $40 million a year to help Bolivia fight the drugs trade. Bolivia will also receive $110 million from the $1.3 billion package allocated to support the Colombian government"s anti-drug campaign. "The debt reduction process is well underway in Bolivia and the Government of Bolivia has launched discussions ... on what can be done to alleviate poverty. We believe these are responsible actions on the part of the Banzer government. "For these reasons, we believe both the demands and violent tactics of the coca growers are destructive to Bolivia"s national interests," added the statement. It urged Bolivians to support Banzer"s call for communication and reconciliation. Copyright ©2000 ABC News Internet Ventures. Click here for Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Internet Safety Information applicable to this site. <A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/">www.ctrl.org</A> DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion & informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic screeds are unwelcomed. Substance—not soap-boxing—please! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'—with its many half-truths, mis- directions and outright frauds—is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRLgives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html <A HREF="http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html">Archives of [EMAIL PROTECTED]</A> http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ <A HREF="http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/">ctrl</A> ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
