Dynamite thrown near Venezuela consulate in Bolivia

SANTA CRUZ, Oct 22 (Reuters) Attackers threw sticks of dynamite early today at a house next to the Venezuelan consulate in the eastern Bolivian city of Santa Cruz and at a building used by Cuban doctors a government spokesman said.

Damage to the buildings was light, government spokesman Alex Contreras told Reuters.

Leftist President Evo Morales has formed close ties with Venezuela's Hugo Chavez and Cuba's Fidel Castro since taking office in January 2006.

Opposition to Morales is strongest in eastern regions, and especially in Santa Cruz.

REUTERS SG RAI2037