LA PAZ, DeC 31 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Bolivia’s interim government said it was expelling top Mexican and Spanish diplomats amid an escalating dispute over allegations wanted former Bolivian officials sought to leave refuge at the Mexican embassy with Spanish help and flee the country.
Bolivian caretaker President Jeanine Anez said Mexican ambassador, the Spanish charge d’affaires and the Spanish consul were all ordered to leave the country within 72 hours.
“The constitutional government that I preside over has decided to declare persona non grata the ambassador of Mexico in Bolivia, Maria Teresa Mercado, the charge d’affaires of Spain, Cristina Borreguero, and the consul, Alvaro Fernandez,” Anez said.
“This group of representatives of the governments of Mexico and Spain has seriously harmed the sovereignty and dignity of the people and the government of Bolivia,” said Anez
Bolivia also said it had expelled six Spanish security officials it alleges took part in the attempt. The six left the country on Sunday.
Spain said three Bolivian officials were asked to leave the country in response to the “hostile gesture.”
The dispute centers around nine former officials in the government of ousted Bolivian President Evo Morales who have been charged with sedition, terrorism and electoral fraud. They have been banned from leaving the country and been holed up in the Mexican embassy after being offered asylum there. — NNN-AGENCIES
