Bolivia: Government and Unions Reach Deal After 50 Days of Unrest

Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz reached an agreement with the Bolivian Workers' Confederation (COB) on Friday, marking a first step toward ending the 50-day conflict that has paralyzed the country.

Protests and roadblocks caused shortages of fuel, food and medicine, leaving millions of people facing serious supply problems.

Paz described the agreement as "a ray of hope for all Bolivians" and called for cooperation in resolving the crisis. COB executive secretary Mario Argollo said it marked the beginning of a process of reconciliation and consensus-building between the government and workers.

The conflict began in May with a workers' strike that escalated into widespread road blockades. Protesters demanded the repeal of austerity measures and a solution to the rising cost of living.

Despite the agreement, however, protests continue. Several rural organizations loyal to former President Evo Morales have rejected the negotiations and continue to demand Paz's resignation. According to the ombudsman, the unrest has claimed at least 14 lives, including patients who were unable to reach hospitals because of the roadblocks.

(Reuters, EST)