Source: Associated Press (Wire) Copyright: 2003 Associated Press Pubdate: Sun, 26 Jan 2003 BOLIVIA BEGINS TALKS WITH COCA GROWERS COCHABAMBA, Bolivia (AP) -- The Bolivian government formally opened talks with coca farmers Sunday to end protests that have killed 12 people and shut down the nation's largest highway for nearly two weeks. President Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada said the talks would continue into the coming days. But he made no mention of a cease-fire or a possible withdrawal of the thousands of soldiers patrolling the highway and keeping it clear of debris. Since Jan. 14, thousands of protesters have blocked the highway with tree trunks and boulders. in anger over the government's plan to eradicate illegal crops. Coca is the base ingredient of cocaine, but many Bolivians chew the leaves or use them to brew tea. About 30,000 acres of coca can be cultivated legally, but growers want the limit increased. Evo Morales, the coca leader who narrowly lost to Sanchez de Lozada in last year's presidential election, said the blockade will continue until the government agrees to a series of demands to alleviate poverty. The demands include an immediate withdrawal of soldiers and the demilitarization of the coca-growing region, along with a promise that Bolivia's government will not sign a free trade agreement with the United States. The protests have killed 10 civilians and two soldiers. Local human rights groups said 100 people were injured and about 1,000 were detained by soldiers. The government estimates the blockade has cost the nation $80 million in lost commerce. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom