Bolivia opposition deny links to alleged plot

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Source: Reuters

LA PAZ, April 21 (Reuters) - Leaders of Bolivia's rightist opposition denied on Tuesday any links to an alleged plot to kill President Evo Morales, and condemned last week's shooting of three suspected mercenaries by police.

Officials in the eastern city of Santa Cruz, an opposition stronghold, called for an international investigation into the killings in the city when police moved to arrest a group they say planned to assassinate leading public figures.

"We deplore the tendentious attitude of government authorities in trying to link Santa Cruz leaders with these acts of violence," said Santa Cruz Gov. Ruben Costas, reading a statement by regional business and political leaders.

Morales, who accused rivals in Santa Cruz of organizing violent protests last year, has linked the suspected plot to right-wing opponents he says are seeking to destabilize his government.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN21499904