Colombia dismissed the head of Bolivia’s embassy in Bogota on Wednesday in direct retaliation for Bolivia’s expulsion of Colombian Ambassador Elizabeth García earlier this week.
The Colombian Foreign Ministry said it was “compelled to declare, by reciprocity, the termination of duties” of Bolivia’s top diplomat in Bogotá. The crisis erupted Sunday when Petro commented on the widespread demonstrations and roadblocks led by peasant groups, the Bolivian Workers’ Central (COB), and supporters of former president Evo Morales — all demanding Paz’s resignation just six months into his term. Petro called the unrest a “response to geopolitical arrogance.”
Paz quickly fired back, accusing Petro of interfering in Bolivia’s internal affairs. In response, Colombia’s Foreign Ministry denied any intention to meddle, reaffirming its commitment to non-intervention, sovereign equality, and peaceful resolution of disputes.
Despite the escalating diplomatic tensions, Petro offered his government’s willingness — before its term ends on August 7 — to help broker a peaceful solution. He also called for “no political prisoners anywhere in the Americas” and urged building a “deep, multicolored democracy” across the region.
The Bolivian crisis began earlier this month over wage demands, fuel shortages, poor fuel quality, and opposition to several reforms, but quickly morphed into calls for Paz to step down. Roadblocks and protests are centered in La Paz and El Alto, involving unions, Aymara peasants, and Former president Morales-aligned factions.
Author: Victor Miranda
Source: agencies
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