La Paz - Bolivia's neighbours are set to hold a summit on Monday in a bid to help Bolivia resolve a regional insurrection that has led to 16 deaths. The 12-member Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) plans to meet in the Chilean capital Santiago where they are expected make an offer to mediate in the dispute between President Evo Morales and opposition-controlled regions.
On Sunday, Morales ordered the arrest of Leopoldo Fernandez, the influential opposition governor of Pando province, accusing him of defying government-ordered martial law.
In addition, the government accuses Fernandez of responsibility in a "massacre" of aboriginal farmers who were killed on their way to a demonstration, said Juan Ramon Quintana, a minister in the office of the president.
The Bolivian government confirmed Sunday at least 16 deaths from a regional insurrection in Pando.
According to various reports, at least 14 people, among them 13 Morales supporters, have been killed in violence related to the insurrection.
Two further deaths including that of a 17-year-old soldier occurred as the military reclaimed city airport of the Ponda provincial capital Cobija, which according to Quintana, was once again under government control.
The Cobija city airport had been presumed to have been initially taken over by assassins hired by the prefecture in rebellion against the Morales government.
Right-wing opposition groups in the resource-rich areas of the country began rising up against the Morales administration's policies to redistribute wealth late last week.
Regional forces demanding more autonomy and a greater share of the profit from oil and gas production clashed with government troops in Pando, Santa Cruz, Tarija and Beni departments.
Pando Governor Leopoldo Fernandez and the Morales government both accused each other of inciting the violence.
Morales also expelled US Ambassador Philip Goldberg, whom he blamed for conspiring with opposition groups to foment rebellion in the country.
The provincial governors are demanding the restoration of their 30 per cent share of the tax on hydrocarbons, which Morales diverted to fund his social agenda for the country's poor.
Morales said allied organizations of his Movement toward Socialism were willing to discuss the tax issues and proposed constitutional amendments regarding regional autonomy.
"They (leftist social groups) have told me that they would be disposed to revise the constitution if it will help pacify the country," Morales said.
UNASUR, founded in May 2008,is comprised of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Paraguay, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and most other leaders of the union's member states have promised to attend Monday's summit, but it is not clear whether Morales will be there.
All of Bolivia's neighbours have expressed concern at the situation and called for an end to the violence and mutual respect for democracy and constitutional order.
