UPDATE 1-Bolivia to open 'humanitarian corridors' on Saturday to move supplies through blockades

​Bolivia police and ‌armed forces will ​open "humanitarian corridors" on Saturday in the country's La Paz department ‌in order for supplies to move past blockades, the government said on Friday.

Tensions have been high in ‌Bolivia for weeks as protests that began with ‌strikes in early May have grown into a nationwide movement involving labour unions, miners, transport workers and rural groups, raising ⁠concerns ​in Washington. Protesters ⁠are pressing President Rodrigo Paz's centrist government to roll back ⁠austerity measures and address rising living costs, with some ​calling for his resignation.

Interior Minister Marco Antonio ⁠Oviedo told a press conference that the operation would be ⁠peaceful, ​and would focus on the road that connects the city of Oruro with the administrative capital ⁠La Paz, allowing the transit of food, medicine, oxygen ⁠and other ⁠goods. The Red Cross and Catholic Church are set to participate, he added.

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