Spain inquiry as Bolivia break-in row flares
SPAIN pledged to send investigators to La Paz after diplomatic officials were accused of trying to sneak into the Mexican embassy with a group of masked guards.
Bolivia said attempts by the Spanish to gain access to the building – where members of the recently toppled Bolivian regime are being held – was a “violation” of its sovereignty.
The Mexican embassy has become the centre of a diplomatic row after it
Long way to go
sheltered some 20 officials from the former government, said Karen Longaric, the foreign minister.
She did not say if Bolivia had stopped a breakout attempt by the former officials, many of whom are wanted for crimes including sedition and armed revolt. They are allies of Evo Morales, the deposed leader who fled amid protests over fraudulent elections in October.
Ms Longaric said: “Spanish embassy diplomatic and security staff in Bolivia are not authorised to carry firearms or wear attire that conceals their identity.”
And she denounced such acts as “contravening diplomatic practices”.
Television stations on Friday broadcast images of a masked person getting out of a Spanish diplomatic vehicle and exchanging words with police. Civilians then attacked the car, shouting that there could be an attempt to free nine officials.
The Spanish government said it would send ministry staff to investigate the incident.
Mr Morales fled to Argentina last month after nearly 14 years in power.