Mexico has accused the Bolivian government of violating international treaties regarding the protection of its diplomatic personnel at the residence of the Mexican ambassador in La Paz.

On Thursday, Mexico said it plans to file a complaint at the International Court of Justice at The Hague.

Mexican officials cite an intimidating buildup of police around the residence since November and drones flying over diplomatic buildings.

Reuters reported the surveillance by Bolivian agents is because the Mexican embassy has granted asylum to nine former officials of ousted President Evo Morales.

Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said the Mexican government is now turning to The Hague for mediation, adding that Bolivia has refused to let anyone in the group, including some with arrest warrants, leave the country.

He hopes Mexico's right to give asylum will be upheld and the Mexican embassy respected.

Bolivia's foreign minister calls the appeal to The Hague "a legal fallacy" and said it should be withdrawn.

A Bolivian official said his government is trying to protect the Mexican embassy but wants anyone who "committed acts of terrorism... to face justice."

After stepping down in November following a disputed election, Morales accepted an offer of political asylum in Mexico and is now in Argentina.