Ex-Bolivian prez arrives in Mexico for political asylum

Evo Morales receiving political asylum after army asks him to resign

Former Bolivian President Evo Morales arrived Tuesday in Mexico after being granted political asylum. 

Morales stepped down Sunday after the army requested he leave his post. Protesters have been in the streets calling for his resignation.

The Mexican government announced it would offer Morales asylum on the day he stepped down. Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard said in a press conference the request for asylum had become official.

“Mexico has decided to grant [Morales] asylum on humanitarian grounds. In Bolivia, his life and his integrity are in danger,” Ebrard said.

In a tweet Monday, Morales promised his country he would eventually return to Bolivia with more “strength and energy.”

“Brothers and sisters, I’m leaving for Mexico, grateful for the openness of the government of these brothers who gave us asylum to save our lives. It hurts me to leave the country for political reasons,” Morales tweeted.