Iran accuses US of orchestrating quasi-coup in Bolivia after Evo Morales resigns

While doubts were raised of a coup in Bolivia leading to the resignation of Evo Morales as president, Iran has accused the United States of meddling in its internal affairs. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Mousavi condemned any compulsory change in governments out of the framework of law and especially through foreign intervention, calling it “unacceptable”. “Iran believes that any change should be upon people's demand, through ballot boxes and the framework of the law,” said Mousavi.

Morales resigned and left the country

The recent polls were marred with controversies after Morales outrightly claimed that he won the presidential election. It was followed by popular unrest in the country which forced Morales to resign and leave the country.

"We are resigning so that the brothers and sisters in the government are not threatened or attacked," said Morales in a televised address.

Jeanine Anez, Bolivia's opposition lawmaker, and Senate second vice-president took over the charge and declared herself to be the country's interim president.

Read: Morales Leaves For Mexico As Bolivia Military Fights Violence

Accusations of coup d'état

The Organization of American States (OAS), rejecting any unconstitutional resolution of the situation, urged La Paz to cancel the results and said that sovereignty must be returned to the people. OAS secretary-general Luis Almagro opined that effort made to “steal the elections” and perpetuate Evo Morales in power was a coup d'état and the not the popular movement.

“It is also important that justice continues to investigate existing responsibilities regarding the commission of crimes related to the electoral process held on October 20, until they are resolved,” said OAS General Secretariat in a statement.

Read: Evo Morales Flees Crisis-torn Bolivia After Deadly Clashes

South African allies in support 

Evo Morales, who has accepted political asylum in Mexico, said that there are groups that do not respect life and if any crime he has committed, it is his struggle to get people out of poverty. Morales’ claim of a coup was echoed by many of his allies in South America and Iran is the latest country to join the bandwagon.

Read: UN Secretary-General Expresses Deep Concerns Over Bolivia's Unrest

Read: Bolivia In Power Void As Morales, Would-be Successors Resign

(With Inputs from Agencies)