The United States said on Tuesday that it has decided to withdraw its citizens from Bolivia after the Latin American country is at odds with Washington.
"The Department of State has authorized the departure of non-emergency personnel and all family members of U.S. Embassy personnel in Bolivia and suggests all U.S. citizens defer non-essential travel to Bolivia," said a statement released by the State Department.
Last week, Bolivian President Evo Morales ordered U.S. Ambassador to La Paz Philip Goldberg to leave the country immediately, accusing him of "heading the division" inside Bolivia by encouraging, together with the opposition, the protests against his government.
In Washington, the State Department called the accusations "baseless."
Protests broke out several weeks ago against Morales' plans to amend the constitution and reallocate gas revenues. Anti-government protesters blocked the road, stormed official buildings and clashed with supporters of the president.
Dozens of Bolivians were reportedly killed or injured and many others went missing in violent clashes in the country.
GNA