But the military chief of staff quickly distanced themselves from the gesture which heightened tensions in the south American nation.

Lieutenant Colonel Julio Cesar Galindo, part of a group calling itself the "Generational Military Movement," appeared on private television, demanding that Mesa "leave, simply quit the government, quit the presidency and make room for the government of the people."

Another officer, Lieutenant Colonel Julio Herrera, added: "This is not a military coup d'etat, but a declaration of the people."

The military command rejected the mid-ranking officers saying in a statement it does not "represent the opinion of the services of the armed forces which stand firm in the defense of the rule of law, democracy and the country's institutions."

Armed forces chief, Admiral Luis Aranda, said it was "an isolated incident" and that the officers do not have command of any troops.

Miners, peasants and students on Monday and Tuesday protested against legislation they say favor foreign companies exploiting Bolivian gas.

Protestors clashed with police and at least six people were injured, according to a human rights group.

Nineteen months ago, demonstrations over the vital gas industry led to the ouster of President Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada, who was replaced by Mesa, his vice president.

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