The unrest comes as President Bush has signed a one-year trade extension for Colombia along with Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru. Bush is seeking broader congressional approval of a so-called free trade deal with Colombia. But the agreement has been held up in part over human rights concerns, including a spate of killings of Colombian union leaders. Despite extending Bolivian trade, Bush is still seeking congressional approval for removing its special trade status.

President Bush: “The Andean Trade Preference Act allows us to suspend trade preferences with countries that do not live up to their promises. And unfortunately, Bolivia has failed to cooperate with the United States on important efforts to fight drug trafficking. So, sadly, I have proposed to suspend Bolivia’s trade preferences until it fulfills its obligations.”

Critics have denounced the administration’s allegations as part of a campaign to destabilize the government of Bolivian President Evo Morales.