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Venezuela, Russia aid fight

Provincial rebellion has larger implications

By Martin Arostegui | Tuesday, October 7, 2008

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SANTA CRUZ, Bolivia

The government of President Evo Morales is lining up military support from Russia and boosting ties with Venezuela as it battles a rebellion in its energy-rich eastern provinces.

The revolt reflects opposition to Mr. Morales' plans to redistribute land and revenue from natural gas exports to Bolivia's Indian majority under a new constitution that would also allow Mr. Morales to be re-elected for 10 more years.

Government opponents - based mainly in the eastern lowland provinces - say Venezuelan soldiers fought alongside government supporters in Pando province, where at least a dozen people were killed during a Sept. 11 gunbattle.

Pando Gov. Leopoldo Fernandez and at least 16 local officials have been arrested, and residents of Pando accuse government troops of a crackdown that includes summary arrests and severe beatings.

Vice President Alvaro Garcia Linera defended the government action in Pando.

"We are dealing terrorist crimes against the state," he said in response to reports of government brutality.

What at first glance seems like a local insurrection in a landlocked South American country has implications for the United States in its growing rivalry with Russia.

Russian Ambassador to Bolivia Leonid Golubev told the Associated Press that the Bolivia's planned purchase of five military helicopters reflects growing ties with Moscow.

"We want to show the United States that Latin America is not their backyard," Mr. Golubev said in an interview. "We also have interests in various spheres, including military ones."