Bogota, May 21 (SANA) Colombia and Bolivia escalated a diplomatic dispute on Wednesday after both countries expelled each other’s ambassadors amid growing tensions over anti-government protests in Bolivia.
Colombia announced the expulsion of Bolivia’s ambassador in response to Bolivia’s earlier decision to expel the Colombian ambassador, accusing Colombian President Gustavo Petro of interfering in Bolivia’s internal affairs.
Colombia’s Foreign Ministry said the move was carried out under the principle of diplomatic reciprocity, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).
The dispute followed comments by Petro describing ongoing protests in Bolivia as a “popular uprising,” prompting Bolivia to accuse the Colombian leader of meddling in domestic politics.
Bolivia’s Foreign Ministry said its decision was based on “the principles of sovereignty, non-interference and mutual respect between states.”
The diplomatic fallout comes as Bolivia faces weeks of protests driven by rising economic pressure, fuel shortages and demands for higher wages. Demonstrators have blocked roads and called for measures to ease what many describe as the country’s worst economic crisis in decades.
Some protesters have also demanded the resignation of center-right President Rodrigo Paz amid worsening economic conditions.
Paz announced plans on Wednesday for a cabinet reshuffle aimed at making his government “more inclusive” after the recent unrest.
According to AFP, the Bolivian president said he planned to create an “economic and social council” involving indigenous groups, farmers, miners and other sectors in government decision-making.
At the same time, Paz said he would not “negotiate with vandals,” referring to looting and arson incidents reported during protests in La Paz earlier this week, while insisting his government remained open to dialogue with those “who respect democracy.”
N.J/ABD
