LA PAZ, Bolivia, June 6 (UPI) -- Bolivian protesters returned to the streets Monday marking three weeks of blocked roads and public outcry over the government's gas industry policies.
Protest leaders have rejected proposals by the Catholic Church to intervene and help end the demonstrations crippling the poor South American country. Residents of the capital, La Paz, told United Press International, that some groups of protesters turned violent Monday after a relatively quiet weekend, throwing stones and other debris at cars.
Police have surrounded the city's main government buildings thousands continued to make their way toward the Congress and presidential offices.
President Carlos Mesa attempted to end weeks of demonstrations by announcing last week that the government would adopt several reforms and rewrite the constitution.
The president said the constitution would be overhauled in October and a national referendum held on whether to grant Bolivia's gas-rich provinces more autonomy.
The gas issue has been a flash point in Bolivia.
Last month, lawmakers approved a controversial bill drastically increasing taxes on foreign-owned oil and gas companies.
Bolivia's political opposition and indigenous groups say the measure is insufficient and total nationalization of the industry is in the best interest of the Bolivian people.
