On Monday, Bolivia decided to expel the Mexican ambassador and two high-ranking Spanish diplomats from the country over Mexico sheltering former Bolivian officials in its embassy.
"The Foreign Ministry does not intend to cut off diplomatic relations with Bolivia, the embassy in Bolivia will continue its work", Sanchez Cordero said at a press conference.
The Mexican Embassy in La Paz is sheltering at least nine officials from ex-President Evo Morales’ former government. The situation around the embassy is tense due to the presence of Bolivian security officials in close proximity, and it further escalated following an attempt by Spanish diplomats to enter while hiding their faces on Friday.
The Bolivian Foreign Ministry protested Madrid’s move and called on Spain to stop violating international standards.
Morales is living in exile in Argentina and is not allowed to run in the next presidential election, but he is still trying to influence Bolivian politics via his party Movement for Socialism (MAS). MAS is expected to nominate a candidate for the next election on 19 January.
