News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. Nov. 11, 2019: Bolivian leader Evo Morales last night tweeted he was leaving for Mexico, a day after announcing his resignation and saying he will call fresh elections.
Mexico granted asylum to the veteran socialist Monday.
“Sisters and brothers, I leave for Mexico, grateful for the detachment of the government of that brother town that gave us asylum to take care of our lives,” Morales’ translated tweet at 8:29 p.m. last night stated. “It hurts to leave the country for political reasons, but I will always be pending. Soon I will return with more strength and energy.
In a statement earlier at 6.30 p.m. local time, Peru’s foreign ministry said a Mexican government plane had refueled in Lima on its way to Bolivia. Mexico said that a a plane left for Bolivia “consistent with our obligations arising from the Caracas Convention of 1954 on Diplomatic Asylum.”
Morales, one of the longest serving leaders in Latin America has created chaos and uncertainty. Looting, vandalism and arson carried out by both his supporters and opponents have been reported. Angry pro-Morales residents clashed with police and set up barricades–some lit up in flames–to block roads leading to the country’s main airport.
