THE United Nations said Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was deeply concerned about the situation in Bolivia, where Evo Morales resigned the presidency Sunday after weeks of protests over a disputed election. Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said that Guterres “urges all relevant parties to refrain from violence, reduce tensions and exercise maximum restraint.” Three Bolivians have been killed and more than 100 injured during clashes among opponents and supporters of Morales since the Oct. 20 election, which he claimed to have won. Morales resigned soon after the release of an Organization of American States audit that reported irregularities in the vote count. Morales claimed authorities were seeking to arrest him now that he has given up the presidency under pressure after weeks of social unrest over the country’s disputed election. But a police commander said Sunday night no warrant has been issued for Morales, whose whereabouts are unknown. In a tweet, Morales said: “I report to the world and Bolivian people that a police officer publicly announced that he has instructions to execute an unlawful apprehension order against me; in addition, violent groups also stormed my home.” Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said he is standing with Morales. Maduro said that Morales has fallen victim to the same U.S.-backed plot that seeks to topple him from power in Venezuela. (SD-Agencies) |