Bolivian President Evo Morales has called for a complete overhaul of his country’s strained ties with the U.S.

He urged “mutual respect” between the two nations, saying Washington should not interfere in Bolivia’s affairs.
Morales’ comments came after talks in La Paz with senior U.S. diplomat Thomas Shannon, who said the talks were a “good start” towards improving ties.
Last year, Bolivia expelled the U.S. envoy, accusing Washington of trying to oust the government in La Paz.
Former President George W. Bush’s administration then followed suit, expelling the Bolivian ambassador from Washington.
Morales, Bolivia’s first indigenous president, last year also suspended “indefinitely” operations of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in Bolivia.
“The relations must no be based on subjugation or subordination or political meddling; we must have relations based on respect,” the Bolivian leader said.
For his part, Shannon said he was in Bolivia to “draw a new direction in our bilateral relations”.
The U.S. diplomat later described his meeting with Morales as a “good start” towards improving bilateral relations.
Neither President Morales nor Shannon gave any details on how soon diplomatic relations could be restored.
(Source: BBC)