Updated November 16th, 2019 at 16:41 IST
'Bolivia to expel Venezuelan diplomats': Foreign Minister Karen Longaric
Bolivian Foreign Minister Karen Longaric on Saturday said that the Venezuelan diplomats will be expelled over "violating diplomatic norms"
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All Venezuelan diplomats will be expelled from Bolivia, Foreign Minister Karen Longaric has announced on November 15. They are alleged of "violating diplomatic norms" following the resignation of President Morales. The minister reportedly also said that Bolivia will "go a bit further" in regards to Venezuela without giving many details. She also accused Caracas of interfering in internal matters of Bolivia and vowed to file a complaint against their alleged actions. Relations with both Venezuela and its regional ally Cuba would be reviewed, she stated.
Read | Bolivia Interim President Jeanine Anez Rules Out Evo Morales' Election Bid
Venezuela condemned Morales' resignation under "coup d'etat"
The decision comes after Venezuela condemned the "coup d'etat" in Bolivia that led to the resignation of President Evo Morales. As Bolivian protesters sided by the military demanded the resignation of the former President, he was compelled to come to the decision. He is currently in Mexico as he has been granted political asylum there. Last Sunday, Morales announced his resignation after an international audit found the results of last month's election could not be validated due to serious irregularities.
Read | Bolivian Interim Leader Says Morales Can't Run In New Vote
Morales had said in his televised announcement that he was stepping down "for the good of the country". "I regret this deeply," he quoted.
Read | Former Bolivia President Evo Morales Addresses Media After Fleeing To Mexico
Jeanine Anez declares herself as interim President, ruling out the contention of Morales
Since Morales resigned, Jeanine Anez, Bolivia's opposition lawmaker, and Senate second vice-president declared herself to be the interim president on November 14. Venezuelan politician Juan Guido has also claimed the position which was recognised by Anez. Anez said that exiled leader Evo Morales had been ruled out of contention in the fresh elections as thousands of people marched through La Paz in support of Morales and against Anez. According to reports, people marched to the capital city of La Paz from the nearby town of El Alto for the second consecutive day to voice their argument that the ouster of Evo Morales was not a resignation but a coup that was organized to remove him from power.
Read | Power Struggle In Bolivia: Añez At Home Vs Morales In Exile
(With inputs from agencies)
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Published November 16th, 2019 at 11:18 IST