Colombia expels charge d'affaires of Bolivian embassy

BOGOTA -- Colombia's Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday that it has expelled Ariel Percy Molina Pimentel, charge d'affaires of the Bolivian Embassy in Colombia.

The move was taken on a reciprocal basis after Bolivia asked Colombian Ambassador Elizabeth Garcia to leave.

The ministry said no official or member of the Colombian government had sought to interfere in Bolivia's internal affairs, reaffirming Colombia's commitment to the principles of sovereign equality, non-intervention, self-determination, peaceful settlement of disputes and respect for territorial integrity.

Colombia said it remains willing to support, at the request of the Bolivian government, initiatives aimed at promoting peace, political dialogue, institutional channels, citizen participation and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, in accordance with international law.

The ministry added that Colombia remains committed to keeping diplomatic channels open, noting that the two countries have maintained friendly bilateral relations for more than a century.

Earlier on the same day, Bolivia requested that Colombian Ambassador Elizabeth Garcia conclude her diplomatic mission following remarks by Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Bolivia's internal unrest, which La Paz described as interference in its domestic affairs.