Bolivian troops have arrested the right-wing governor of a northern province who President Evo Morales has accused of instigating violence in which at least 16 people were killed last week, state television reported today.
Leopoldo Fernandez, governor of Pando province in Bolivia's far north, was detained by troops and driven in a truck to the airport in the city of Cobija, which is under military control, according to the report.
Meanwhile, President Morales said he expected to agree with right-wing rivals today on a framework for talks aimed at defusing a political crisis, after deadly clashes in the impoverished Andean nation.
"We hope by the end of the day to have agreed on the points that have been discussed up until now," Morales told a news conference at the presidential palace.
"This agreement can serve as a foundation to keep talking."
Mr Morales spoke minutes after Mr Fernandez was arrested. President Morales said he would be tried for genocide.
Reuters