Morales: Trump's backing Anez ‘proof’ of US coup

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

ANKARA (AA) - Bolivia's former President Evo Morales said Wednesday that U.S. President Donald Trump support for his country's interim government is confirmation of U.S. interference in the Latin American nation.

"Trump's support for [self-proclaimed interim President Jeanine] Anez is further proof that the United States organized the coup in Bolivia," Morales said on Twitter.

"If Trump condemns violence, Anez, [opposition leader Luis Fernando] Camacho and [former President Carlos] Mesa should abide by and end repression and political persecution," he added.

Trump announced support Tuesday for Anez, saying she is working "to ensure a peaceful democratic transition through free elections."

"We denounce the ongoing violence and those that provoke it both in Bolivia and from afar," Trump tweeted.

The American president’s remarks were made hours after Morales said he has the right to organize politics in his country and accused the interim government of carrying out a "coup" against his administration with foreign agents.

The former leader was speaking at a press conference in Argentina, where he landed last week after being granted asylum.

This is the second time that Washington backed a self-proclaimed interim president in a Latin American country this year, after throwing support behind Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido.

Turmoil in Bolivia began in October when Morales won a fourth term in office and faced immediate resistance from opposition parties that challenged election results.

Protesters took to the streets claiming the ballot was rigged.

After weeks of upheaval, Morales resigned under pressure from the military and moved to Mexico, where he was offered political asylum.

Conservative Senator Anez then proclaimed herself interim president.

But public demonstrations have yet to subside, with mostly rural and indigenous pro-Morales supporters taking to the streets, including in La Paz, as well as Sacaba and Cochabamba, since he left the country saying his ouster was a coup.

A new presidential election is set for March 2020 but the Anez government has threatened Morales with prison if he returns to the country.