Bolivia decides on president's resignation

LA PAZ, Bolivia, March 8 (UPI) -- Bolivian lawmakers said Tuesday they would decide whether to accept the resignation of embattled President Carlos Mesa.

Mesa sent a letter of resignation to Congress Monday citing overwhelming difficulties dealing with the nation's opposition parties.

In Washington, the U.S. State Department noted the Bolivian Congress had not made a decision.

"The United States remains firmly and fully committed to President Mesa as the constitutional president of Bolivia," spokesman Richard Boucher said.

He urged the country's political leaders to resolve the issue peacefully.

Mesa took over when former President Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada left office in October 2003 amid widespread protests.

However, Mesa had become increasingly frustrated with protests by labor groups and others that dogged his administration and had indicated in recent weeks he may step down.