Embattled Bolivian President Carlos Mesa announced Sunday that he will submit his resignation to the National Congress on Monday.

The decision to resign is for the consideration of the country and for the citizens of Bolivia, Mesa said in a nationally broadcast address.

In the address, Mesa accused various political and social organizations of "blocking" the country by organizing protests and demonstrations, according to reports from Bolivia.

It was not immediately clear whether he would be replaced by an interim leader or snap elections would be called before the presidential term ends in 2007.

Mesa's government has faced a series of protests in recent weeks, with street demonstrations and road blockades throughout the country.

Demonstrators set roadblocks on nine important routes of the South American country to protest against fuel price hikes while the Santa Cruz province called for autonomy.

A mass work stoppage were also staged in the city of El Alto to demand an immediate closure of the French-owned firm, which was accused of failing to fulfill its program and drastically raising the prices of water and sewage services.

Mesa attempted to resolve differences by making important concessions, but finally decided to quit as the crisis showed no signs of abating.

Mesa took office in October 2003 after former President GonzaloSanchez de Lozada resigned in face of violent protests that claimed at least 86 lives and paralyzed the impoverished country.

Source: Xinhua