MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Morales and Bolivian opposition scheduled talks for this week

Bolivian President Evo Morales and the governors who led a violent rebellion against his administration's reforms agreed on Tuesday on a road map to end the confrontation. Once all governors sign the round of negotiations is scheduled to begin Thursday.

The governors pledged to end occupations of government buildings, after a wave of violent protests left 30 dead last week, and Morales said he would discuss their demands for more autonomy and a greater share of state energy revenue. The announcement also follows a Monday meeting of South American presidents who gave their full support for elected president Morales, Bolivian institutions and called for an end of violence and disruptions. Five governors from the wealthy eastern side of the country agreed to talks even though one was arrested by the army earlier on Tuesday after the lMorales accused him of involvement in the massacre of 15 peasant farmers. "If we want to return calm to the regions, let's sign this document. The government did it, the governors must too. Not signing means violence, confrontation, aggression and a greater divide between Bolivians" said Vice President Alvaro Garcia who has been the main negotiator. Morales Bolivia's first indigenous president has promised to "fairly" redistribute natural gas earnings and land, among the poorer western provinces and Indian peasants. But the rich western "half moon" demand that taxes from natural gas (where the deposits are located) be returned to their provinces and reject any form of land distribution. Furthermore they are contrary to greater government intervention in the country's economy as promoted by Morales and are demanding autonomy for their provinces, virtually splitting the country in tow irreconcilable halves. Morales is also a close friend of former Cuban President Fidel Castro and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and blames US support to the local elite and international corporations for many of the country's centennial evils. "We have decided to sign this accord for peace to return" said Governor Ruben Costas of the opposition stronghold of Santa Cruz. The issues for discussion listed in the accord include the governors' drive for more autonomy for their provinces and for a larger share of state energy revenue. A condition for the talks, which could begin Thursday if everybody signs on, is that anti-Morales protesters end occupations of government buildings.