LIMA, Oct. 18 (Xinhuanet) -- About 5,000 demonstrators gathered Monday in the Bolivian capital of La Paz to urge congress to endorse a new bill on the nationalization of oil and natural gas resources, reports arriving here said.

    The protesters, which included indigenous people, peasants, miners and university students, said they will stay in La Paz until the congress approves the bill.

    A draft submitted by the congressional committee on economic development calls for the nationalization of the right to exploitation, sale and transport of Bolivia's oil and natural gas.

    But the government of President Carlos Mesa opposes the bill, arguing that the across-the-board nationalization of oil and natural gas resources would scare away foreign investors in Bolivia.

    Mesa stressed the importance of foreign capital in shaking off poverty and improving the living conditions of Bolivians.

    He threatened to resign unless the congress amends the bill.

    Most Bolivians have expressed their support in a July referendum for more state involvement in the country's petroleum industry.

    The referendum focused on whether the oil and natural gas resources should be exported or utilized for the internal development of Bolivia.

    Bolivia boasts the richest natural gas resources in Latin America. Enditem