Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Bolivia Restores Ties with Iran, Venezuela After Socialists Return to Power

Reuters

   LA PAZ, BOLIVIA - Bolivia's new president, Luis Arce, has moved swiftly
   to restore ties with Iran and Venezuela, receiving the credentials of
   ambassadors from the two countries on Wednesday, just three days after
   his socialist party retook the reins of power.

   Bolivia's government said in a statement it wanted to "reestablish
   diplomatic relations damaged by the previous de facto government" led
   by conservative interim President Jeanine Anez.

   Writing on Twitter, Arce said he was restoring bilateral relations with
   Venezuela "to strengthen strategic ties for the good of our peoples."

   He said the same was being done with Iran and that "they are always
   welcome in Bolivia. We will continue to strengthen common projects."

   Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif attended Arce's swearing-in
   ceremony in La Paz on Sunday as part of a tour of leftist Latin
   American nations that included Venezuela and Cuba.

   Venezuela and Iran were key allies for former Bolivian President Evo
   Morales, an Arce ally who swept into office as the country's first
   indigenous president in 2006 and resigned under pressure over disputed
   elections last year.

.