TIPNIS
Los Tiempos reports 500 people initiating the protest march, from Trinidad to La Paz.
The group is composed of people from: yukis, yuracarés, mojeños, guaraníes, chimanes and some from the highlands; group intends to arrive La Paz after a 33 day walk. Group said they will not dialogue with anyone from the government, only the Bolivian president will be welcome if he goes and meets the march somewhere along the route.
Pagina Siete reports 400 people marching and a 35 day journey to La Paz. CIDOB (lowlands) and CONAMAQ (from the highlands and usually a group that supports current national government) leaders are supporting the TIPNIS people; it will be a 500 kilometer trip.
http://www.paginasiete.bo/2011-08-15/Nacional/Destacados/Destacados_010.aspx
EL ALTO
A 24 hour blockade appears to be now an indefinite blockade. No buses to the rest of the main cities of Bolivia. Two main issues were the National Census and real autonomy for the municipality; now there are another 15 points of demands (road infrastructure, bus station and hospital building for the southern part of that city).
http://www.hoybolivia.com/Noticia.php?IdNoticia=51784&tit=el_alto_en_paro_indefinido_
The president for the neighborhoods (FEJUVE) of El Alto reminded the events that happened in similar protests back in 2003 and in December 2010 could be repeated this Monday.
http://www.eldeber.com.bo/2011/2011-08-15/vernotaahora.php?id=110815110918
A democratic government was overthrown in 2003, there are still many unclear responsibilities as to those guilty for promoting turmoil. December 2010 were also large violent demonstrations as a result of a Supreme Decree that raised the price for gasoline and diesel; those demonstrations ended in the government going back and annulling that increase.
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