News In Brief

Bolivian Cabinet resigns after strike ties up country

The Bolivian Cabinet resigned Wednesday night after a 48-hour general strike that paralyzed the country's economic activity. Foreign Minister Jose Ortiz Mercado said the resignations were intended to allow the formation of a cabinet of national unity, but others said the move was meant to forestall a drive to censure the Cabinet for its handling of the country's economy.

The resignations came after congressional debate in which right-wing senators called on the left-wing government to justify austerity measures which led to a 24-hour general strike on Nov. 21 and this week's stoppage.