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Bolivian President Carlos Mesa has tendered his resignation, saying he has had enough following protests which he feels have blighted his rule.

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Demonstrations against plans to export gas via Chile put Mr Mesa in power in the first place, after forcing the departure of President Sanchez de Lozada in October 2003.

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Many people hoped then that the protests would lead to changes to make fuel more accessible to the poor.

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But Mr Mesa revived the export plan the next year, prompting more protests and forcing a referendum on state ownership.

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In January 2005, rising fuel prices led to calls for autonomy in Santa Cruz, Bolivia's largest and wealthiest city.

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More recently, rallies focused on efforts to expel a subsidiary of the French waterworks company Suez.

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But Mr Mesa retains significant popular support, and thousands have gathered to urge him to stay.