UPDATE 1-Bolivia dismisses Colombian ambassador, citing sovereignty concerns

Bolivia's ‌government asked Colombia's ​ambassador to leave the country, citing sovereignty concerns and interference in internal ‌affairs, the foreign ministry said in a statement on Wednesday, as diplomatic tensions escalate over ongoing anti-government protests. Bolivia's foreign ministry said the decision was ⁠in ⁠line with international law and does not represent a break in diplomatic ties with Colombia.

Bolivia's ‌government asked Colombia's ​ambassador to leave the country, citing sovereignty concerns and interference in internal ‌affairs, the foreign ministry said in a statement on Wednesday, as diplomatic tensions escalate over ongoing anti-government protests. The move follows ‌comments by Colombian President Gustavo Petro on May 17 describing ‌the latest unrest as a “popular insurrection,” in remarks on X. International concern has been mounting over widening unrest in Bolivia, with banks closing ⁠branches ​in La ⁠Paz and roadblocks disrupting supplies, as unions, miners and rural groups demand economic ⁠relief and some call for President Rodrigo Paz’s resignation.

U.S. Deputy ​Secretary of State Christopher Landau on Tuesday said he spoke ⁠with President Paz and warned that those defeated in last year’s ⁠election ​were trying to remove him from power. The European Union and several European embassies, meanwhile, have called for ⁠dialogue and peaceful demonstrations. Bolivia's foreign ministry said the decision was ⁠in ⁠line with international law and does not represent a break in diplomatic ties with Colombia.