Bolivian and Brazilian government officials continued negotiations with Guarani Indians who have threatened to seal a gas pipeline between the two countries. Guarani Indians are seeking to gain more control over previously promised investments in both South American countries.

The Guarani Peoples Assembly has threatened to shut the valves of the gas pipelines since Thursday. The pipelines transport around 40 percent of the gas Bolivia exports to Brazil which amounts to 26 million cubic meters per day. Hugo Salvatierra, the Bolivian Minister of Rural Development, led a delegation to Charagua, near the Parapeti control station 3.

Bolivian pipeline operator Transierra agreed to invest an accumulated amount of $9-million until 2025 in Guarani communities. This investment was made in order for Transierra to cross over Indian lands in South America. The company has spent $255,000 on local projects to date.

However, the Guarani Peoples Assembly has expressed discontent over the manner and the pace in which the funds are being allocated and have demanded to oversee the distribution of the funds.

Bolivia and Brazil are currently engaged in controversial negotiations over the price of natural gas following Bolivian President Evo Morales' nationalization of his country's oil and gas reserves, earlier this year in May.