The Bolivian people, whose successful struggle against privatised water was regarded as the most censored story in the world last year, are today marching on La Paz, in total defiance of their government's threatened repression.

The Water Pressure Group calls for support of this "Communal" march of citizens which since 9 April has been heading to La Paz to put a series of economic and political demands to the Bolivian Government. This peaceful protest march has already faced batons, teargas and illegal detention. The determination and courage of the Bolivian people is an inspiration to us all, and we are proud to stand with them in international soldarity in the global fight to keep corporate hands off the world's water. For us here in Auckland, the victory last April of the people of Cochabamba, in beating back the privatisation of water services via a forty-year lease to theBechtel Corporation and its business partners, stands as a particularly historic milestone. That victory is a vivid inspiration for us in our battles here against commercialisation and privatisation, and our present call for an Auckland-wide boycott of user charges and flat fees for water services.

We condemn the Bolivian Government and it's treachery.

RELEASE ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS IMMEDIATELY! CEASE THE REPRESSION OF THE BOLIVIAN WORKING PEOPLE! ABANDON THE PROGRAMME OF PRIVATISATIONS AND PUBLIC ASSET SALES!

PICKET OUTSIDE THE BOLIVIAN CONSULATE Monday 23 April from 11.30 - 1.30 pm 93 Victoria Ave Remuera.

(A more detailed press release will be available at the picket.)

Penny Bright Water Pressure Group Media Spokesperson PH 8469 825 MOB 025 2666 552

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