Bolivians stage huge energy rally

Thousands of protesters in Bolivia have marched through the main city of La Paz to pressure the president to toughen a controversial new energy bill.

Police prevented the mainly indigenous demonstrators from entering the central square. There were a few clashes, but the march was largely peaceful.

Elsewhere, other protesters set up roadblocks on several key highways.

President Carlos Mesa refuses to sign the bill into law because he considers the level of taxes unworkable. The law, already approved by Congress, would raise the taxes paid by foreign energy firms to 50% of their revenues.
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