Russia to 'perceive' Anez as Bolivian leader

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russia on Thursday agreed to recognize Bolivian interim President Jeanine Anez as the country's leader until a new president is elected.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told reporters his country has, however noticed that Anez was appointed without full parliamentary agreement.

"We noted for ourselves that at the time of her confirmation in this position, there was no full quorum in the parliament, so we see certain points here, which, of course, we take into account. But it is clear that she will be perceived as the leader of Bolivia for the period until the decision on a new president through elections," Ryabkov said.

On Wednesday, Anez declared herself the interim president despite failing to garner a majority of the vote due to a boycott by members of former President Evo Morales’ Movement for Socialism party.

Anez is expected to take the country to early elections in 90 days.

Bolivia has been thrown into turmoil with demonstrators protesting the results of presidential elections in October in which Morales declared victory for the fourth time.

Opposition parties asked their supporters to take to the streets, believing the results were rigged. Morales resigned on Sunday on the call of the country’s army chief.