Dec. 14 (Bloomberg) -- Bolivian President Evo Morales said a resolution passed yesterday by leaders of Santa Cruz state, calling for more autonomy from the central government, is ``illegal and unconstitutional'', La Razon said.

The resolution, which calls for state citizenship and the protection of private property rights, gives the state government jurisdiction over elections, public works, roads and telecommunications policy, La Razon said.

State Governor Ruben Costas defended passage of the resolution, which will be presented at a public rally in the city of Santa Cruz tomorrow, the La Paz-based daily reported.

Tension between Bolivia's central government and opposition leaders increased in the wake of the Dec. 9 decision by an assembly dominated by Morales supporters to approve a draft constitution sought by Morales since his election in 2005.

To contact the reporter on this story: Bill Faries in Buenos Aires at wfaries@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: December 14, 2007 09:38 EST