Bolivia: Bolivian foreign minister holds press conference on expulsion of Colombian ambassador.

SHOTLIST: LA PAZ, BOLIVIA (MAY 20, 2026) 1. VARIOUS OF BOLIVIAN FOREIGN MINISTER FERNANDO ARAMAYO SPEAKING (Spanish)LA PAZ, BOLIVIA - MAY 20, 2026: Bolivian Foreign Minister Fernando Aramayo held a press conference in La Paz on Wednesday, May 20, regarding the expulsion of the Colombian ambassador from Bolivia. During the briefing, Aramayo criticized statements made by the president of Colombia, accusing him of falsely claiming that people were being killed in Bolivia while offering to mediate in the country’s internal affairs. Aramayo also addressed the possibility of mediation efforts involving former Bolivian President Evo Morales and referred to ongoing allegations and legal proceedings against Morales related to pedophilia cases. The Bolivian government announced Wednesday the expulsion of Colombian Ambassador Elizabeth Garcia Carrillo, declaring her “persona non grata” in response to what it described as "persistent interference" by Colombian President Gustavo Petro in Bolivia's internal affairs. The diplomatic rupture follows a weekend social media post by Petro addressing the severe public order crisis paralyzing Bolivia. Petro claimed a “popular uprising” was underway in the Andean nation, attributing widespread unrest to “geopolitical arrogance” and offering to mediate a peaceful resolution. The administration of Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz swiftly rejected the comments as a direct violation of international sovereignty. The Foreign Ministry asserted that Petro's remarks constitute unacceptable meddling in matters that fall exclusively within the domestic sphere. Authorities criticized Petro's rhetorical support for protests tied to the circle of former Bolivian President Evo Morales. “The ambassador was declared persona non grata in light of President Gustavo Petro’s persistent public statements interfering in Bolivia’s internal politics,” said the ministry. “The Plurinational State of Bolivia considers it essential that any external assessment regarding the country’s internal situation be made with responsibility, diplomatic prudence, and full respect for democratic and constitutional institutions.” The statement also emphasized that the structural and institutional transitions Bolivia requires after nearly two decades of political friction "must be driven by the Bolivian people themselves, in a peaceful manner, with democratic accountability." Despite the backlash, Petro insisted his administration remains willing to facilitate dialogue if requested by both parties. “Latin America and the Caribbean must be heard by the world as they look ahead in peace and speak frankly,” he said. While Morales and his supporters vow that the blockades will not stop until structural demands regarding food, fuel, and inflation are met, the Paz administration faces the dual challenge of managing an economic strike and enforcing a sensitive judicial warrant against Morales. A Bolivian judge has declared Morales in contempt of court earlier this month after he failed to appear at the start of a high-profile trial concerning allegations of aggravated human trafficking and statutory rape, charges the former president vehemently denies as "judicial persecution."