Officials say former Bolivian President Evo Morales has flown to Argentina, where the new center-left government has granted him political asylum.
Argentina Foreign Minister Felipe Solá told the Todo Noticias news channel Thursday that Morales' was “very appreciative" to be in Buenos Aires.
Morales will live in the capital with his two children, who arrived on Nov. 23. The former president fled Boliva for Mexico after nationwide protests and a loss of support from the police and military, then traveled to Cuba for several days.
Bolivia's former President Evo Morales attends a press conference at the journalists' club in Mexico City, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019. (AP Photo Marco Ugarte)
Solá said Argentia's proximity to Bolivia was attractive to Morales.
“He feels better here than in Mexico, which is far away,” said Solá, who took office Tuesday in the new government of President Alberto Fernández.
Solá said Morales would have a justified fear for his safety if he stayed in Bolivia.
“If we didn't take care of him he'd very quickly be afraid for his life,” Solá said, adding that he hoped Morales would not make political statements from his new home in Argentina.
Morales was accompanied by at least four former high-ranking officials in his administration. He has been accused of sedition and terrorism by the administration of interim President Jeanine Áñez, who took power amid unrest that has claimed at least 32 lives.