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Bolivian President Calls for Early New Elections to Stem Violent Protests

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Bolivian President Carlos Mesa, who submitted his resignation Monday, has urged Congress to hold new elections as soon as possible to end weeks violent protests.

Mr. Mesa's late night televised address came after tens of thousands of peasants and miners marched in La Paz Tuesday, demanding nationalization of the country's oil and gas industry.

The president offered to resign late Monday in the wake of the growing unrest, saying he could no longer lead the poor Andean nation.

Bolivia's Congress is expected to consider his offer to resign this week. His offer to step down earlier this year was rejected by lawmakers.

Some information for this report provided by AP and Reuters.

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