Bolivian blockades called off

SANTA CRUZ, Bolivia (CNN) - Leaders of thousands of impoverished Bolivian peasants said Tuesday they are calling off highway blockades and plans for a march into Santa Cruz, the nation's richest city and a pro-autonomy hub.

The leaders and a government official who had been helping coordinate the actions said the protest was being lifted as a sign of political goodwill to opposition governors who were holding talks with the government of President Evo Morales.

"We're suspending the blockades as of this afternoon and our supporters will be heading home," said Julian Torrico, who headed one group of an estimated 10,000 peasant farmers camped out on a highway about 60 miles north of Santa Cruz.
–From CNN's Karl Penhaul