Bolivia's interim president asked the Mexican ambassador and two Spanish diplomats to leave the country in 72 hours.

"The constitutional government headed by me decided to deport the Mexican ambassador to Bolivia Maria Teresa Mercado, and two Spanish officials, including counselor Cristina Borreguero and consul Alvaro Fernandez," interim President Jeanine Anez said in a statement. a press conference in the capital La Paz today, said the officials had 72 hours to leave Bolivia.

The decision came after Bolivia accused the counselor of Borreguero last week of leading masked people to the Mexican embassy in La Paz to rescue the wanted aide of former president Evo Morales.

The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs has directed Ambassador Mercado to return home to ensure safety. The Spanish government denied the allegations, insisting Borreguero's trip was only for social purposes.

Mexican-Bolivian relations became strained after Mexico granted asylum to former Bolivian President Evo Morales, who resigned on November 10 and provided accommodation in the embassy in La Paz to the top 20 officials. of the Morales government.

Mexico accused the interim Bolivian government of responding with a "harassment and intimidation" campaign when deploying large numbers of police and intelligence officers outside the embassy. Bolivia's interim government denied the allegations, claiming that Mexico itself had asked to increase security at the embassy and the embassy's mansion.