Bolivia: Bolivian president addresses blockade deaths and Colombia tensions in press conference.

SHOTLIST: LA PAZ, BOLIVIA (MAY 20, 2026) 1. VARIOUS OF BOLIVIAN PRESIDENT RODRIGO PAZ SPEAKING (Spanish)LA PAZ, BOLIVIA - MAY 20, 2026: Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz held a press conference in La Paz on Wednesday, May 20, addressing deaths linked to ongoing blockades and political tensions involving Colombia. Paz said three people had died during the blockades and stressed the need to uphold respect for life and constitutional order in Bolivia. He also stated that individuals involved in vandalism and unlawful acts would eventually face justice. The Bolivian president criticized Colombian President Gustavo Petro over what he described as interference in Bolivia’s internal affairs and commented on the expulsion of the Colombian ambassador. Paz also referred to former Bolivian President Evo Morales, accusing him of fraud during the 2019 political crisis and saying he would not hold dialogue with vandals. 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.”