Bolivia appoints first ambassador to US in 11 years
Bolivia appointed its first ambassador to the US in
11 years on Wednesday, officials said, as the interim government resets the
country’s foreign policy after the departure of Evo Morales.
Walter Oscar Serrate Cuellar has been given the key
diplomatic posting, the foreign ministry announced on Twitter. The appointment
has to be approved by Congress.
Cuellar previously served as Bolivia’s ambassador
and permanent representative at the United Nations, the ministry said.
Morales, Bolivia’s president for nearly 14 years,
resigned on November 10 and fled to Mexico after the disputed October 20
elections ignited street protests.
Right-wing senator Jeanine Anez declared herself
interim president.
Cuellar’s appointment to Washington comes after
Anez’s administration broke ties with socialist Cuba and Nicolas Maduro’s
Venezuela.
