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Thousands protest in Bolivia over food prices
A national protest over rising food prices in Bolivia paralyzed several cities and sectors of the economy Friday in South America's poorest country.
It was the second national protest in less than two months, led by labor unions, in the latest sign that socialist President Evo Morales faces growing unrest.
Schools closed, hospitals handled only emergencies, and public transportation was greatly reduced. Streets in the central city of Cochabamba were blocked by barricades and thousands of people marched in the capital city La Paz.
Demonstrations also took place in Santa Cruz, Oruro, Potosi, Sucre, in response to calls for action by the powerful Bolivian labor federation (COB).
Protesters called for Morales to increase salaries, and reverse the rising prices of food and services.
"He said that he would govern with the people -- put it into practice!" said Pedro Montes, the COB's secretary general.
Led by unions under a chilly rain, the La Paz rally was punctuated by the blast of dynamite sticks set off by some protesters.
There were no immediate reports of anyone being hurt, and the demonstration dispersed peacefully after several hours.