US ambassador ordered to leave

The US ambassador to Bolivia has been ordered to leave the country by President Evo Morales.



Mr. Morales accused Philip Goldberg of conspiring against democracy and encouraging the country\'s break-up.



A US State Department spokesman said it had received no formal word of the dismissal and described the accusations against Mr. Goldberg as baseless.



Bolivia has seen large protests in recent weeks by opponents of Mr. Morales\' economic and social policies.



In a speech at the presidential palace in La Paz, Mr. Morales said the ambassador of the United States is conspiring against democracy and wants Bolivia to break apart.



Mr. Morales did not say what evidence he had to support his allegation, but claimed to have the government\'s backing.



The announcement followed two weeks of demonstrations by groups opposing Mr. Morales.