Bolivian president Evo Morales ordered the suspension of a controversial highway project that would have run through the Amazon rainforest.
Morales claimed that the road, which would have linked Brazil to Pacific ports in Chile and Peru, would be vital for Bolivia's economic development. Yet he backed away from the project after a weekend of intense protests that included the use of tear gas (and allegations of excessive force) against hundreds of protesters.
The project may still get the green light though Morales said that will have to come from local governments rather than federal authorities.
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This story is huge down here in Bolivia. I'm trying to keep a regular log of the situation at www.southamericanlaw.com. Thanks for spreading the word about this.
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