Bolivia's former president Evo Morales, whose supporters have blocked important roads in the country for 19 days and clashed with the police, announced a hunger strike and called for dialogue, RIA Novosti reported.
"We don't want bloodshed. We have always strived for a sincere dialogue. I'm going on a hunger strike. The government should withdraw the military and the police. We call for the creation of two discussion forums to discuss economic and political issues," Morales wrote on Facebook.
He also asked for mediation in the dialogue by international institutions and friendly countries.
"The persecution and repression must stop. We call on international organizations and friendly countries to participate as mediators in the dialogue. We repeat that dialogue is the only way," Morales said.
The former president appealed to his supporters to consider ending the roadblocks.
Police, with the support of the military, early Friday morning began a large-scale operation to unblock roads in Bolivia occupied by supporters of the former president.
The blockade has cost the country $1.7 billion. During the entire period of road blockades and clashes between protesters and police, at least 70 people were injured, including 9 civilians and 61 police officers. According to the country's president, Luis Arce, the blockade has made it difficult for small and large businesses, the tourism sector, and the country's prestige has suffered.
Protesters are unhappy with rising food prices and fuel shortages in the country. In addition, they want to stop the investigation against Morales, who is suspected of human trafficking and molestation of a minor.
Bolivia will hold presidential elections in 2025. Arce and Morales want to fight for the presidency. Both represent the largest left-wing "Movement to Socialism" in the country. There are groups in it that support Morales, but there are also organizations that support the current president.