Bolivian President Evo Morales has called on the United States to deport former President Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada to face charges related to violent street protests that preceded his resignation in October 2003.
Mr. Sanchez de Lozada fled to the United States after resigning amid the demonstrations that claimed at least 60 lives. Last year, Bolivian prosecutors charged the former president with genocide for the protesters' deaths. Charges were also filed against 15 members of his former cabinet.
The charges stem from the government's crackdown on the demonstrators, who were killed while rallying against plans by the Bolivian leadership to export natural gas.
President Morales' appeal for Mr. Sanchez de Lozada's deportation came Monday during a service for victims of separate street clashes in February of 2003 that left more than 30 people dead. Bolivian officials have taken steps to formally request the former president's extradition.
Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.