FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, April 20, 2001

Statement Regarding Relocation of Peace Corps Volunteers in Bolivia

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 20, 2001—Peace Corps Acting Director Charles R. Baquet III announced today that the Peace Corps will temporarily relocate 40 volunteers from areas of La Paz and Cochabamba, Bolivia, as a precautionary measure due to strikes and demonstrations in those areas that are scheduled to begin on May 1. The decision to move the volunteers to another community was made in the event that communication and food supplies are affected due to road blockades, which may last until May 18. This situation is in no way related to the search for missing Bolivia Peace Corps volunteer, Walter Poirier. The volunteers will return to their site locations as soon as the demonstrations subside.

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