Bolivia expels Mexican ambassador amid ongoing diplomatic row

La Paz, December 30 (RHC)-- The de-facto regime of Jeanine Áñez ordered the expulsion on Monday morning of the Mexican Ambassador, María Teresa Mercado, and two Spanish diplomats.  The move was conveyed to the Mexican Ambassador by the Bolivian Foreign Minister, Karen Longaric, prior to the self-proclaimed president's announcement.

Áñez explained at a press conference in the government's palace that her regime "has decided to oppose people pleasing" to the officials mentioned, as well as "to the group of allegedly hooded and armed diplomats."  The decision taken by the de facto government means the Mexican Ambassador and two Spanish diplomats have 72 hours to leave the country.

Áñez specified that the "hostile behavior, trying to surreptitiously and clandestinely enter Mexico's residence in Bolivia, challenging Bolivian police officers and citizens themselves, are things that we cannot allow."

For its part, the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs instructed the Mexican Ambassador to Bolivia, María Teresa Mercado, to return to her country in order to protect her security and integrity after the expulsion.

The Mexican Embassy in Bolivia has named, Ana Luisa Vallejo, the current head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Mission, as reported by the Mexican Government in a  statement, which also indicates that Mexico's diplomatic representation in Bolivia will continue to operate normally after this movement.