BOLIVIA: JUNE 9 MARCH ON EMBASSY SITREP #3 1610 EST

UNCLAS LA PAZ 001292 SIPDIS PLEASE PASS TO S/ES; OPS C O R R E C T E D C O P Y: SUBJECT LINE AND REMOVED CATPION E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL ASEC BL SUBJECT: BOLIVIA: JUNE 9 MARCH ON EMBASSY SITREP #3 1610 EST June 9 2008 SITUATION REPORT. This is the third and last of three situation reports today. -EMBASSY COMPOUND: Compound is secure, the crowd of approximately 8,000 protesters having been dispersed by police using tear-gas and water cannon. -USAID Building: There are no protesters at USAID. ¶1. (U) After numerous attempts to break through the police line at the front of the Embassy, protesters throwing dynamite and fireworks were dispersed at 1300 by police using teargas and water cannon. As of 1610 the Ambassador has returned to the Embassy and RSO has given the all-clear. ¶2. (U) Embassy medical staff treated six Bolivian National Police who were injured by the crowd, while a number of other policemen suffered minor injuries that did not require treatment. The policemen's injuries included contusions, scrapes, burns from fireworks, and a mild concussion. After being treated by Embassy medical staff, two policemen were later taken to the hospital with burns and a possible broken bone. Embassy medical staff also provided drinks and food to the police, who had been standing outside the Embassy in full riot gear since before 0800. RSO personnel were mildly affected by teargas: medical staff administered oxygen and all are fine now. Bolivian press report that several protesters were injured in the rush to avoid the teargas. ¶3. (U) According to the official Bolivian news site, participants in the march included: the neighborhood federation (FEJUVE),the Regional Workers Central (COR),the Guild Federation; the Meat Workers Federation (FETECRA); the Parents' Federation, the 1st of May Drivers' Federation, the municipal council of El Alto, and other social groups. GOLDBERG