The United States urged on Monday Bolivia's government and its opposition to have peace talks and resolve their outstanding differences a day after an illegal autonomy referendum for Bolivia's richest province Santa Cruz was held.
"We urge Bolivia's leaders to use this opportunity to consolidate democracy and promote reconciliation, and build a consensus on Bolivia's future," State Department deputy spokesman Tom Casey said in a statement.
"We call on all sides to reject violence and exercise restraint during this period," he said, adding that Washington hopes the peaceful dialogue will make progress.
"We continue to support Bolivia's unity and territorial integrity and are committed to strengthening democracy and promoting prosperity for all its people," the spokesman said.
The autonomy referendum for Bolivia's Santa Cruz was held Sunday amid clashes between supporters of President Evo Morales and his opponents, leaving one person dead and 30 others injured, according to reports reaching here.
Tension has prevailed throughout Santa Cruz as the Bolivian government considers the popular referendum illegal.
Source:Xinhua
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