South American presidents outraged over diverted Bolivian leader's flight

Heads of state in the South American bloc Unasur on Wednesday strenuously rejected the diversion of Bolivian President Evo Morales' plane in Europe and demanded an explanation for "unfriendly and unjustifiable acts."
   
In a statement from Peru's government, which holds the rotating presidency of the group, the leaders expressed their outrage and indignation because Morales' plane was not permitted to land in Portugal and France on Tuesday.
   
Bolivian authorities said they were denied landing space because of unfounded speculation that former U.S. spy contractor Edward Snowden was on board.

   
France and Portugal abruptly cancelled air permits for Morales' plane en route from Moscow on Tuesday, apparently due to fears fugitive ex-U.S. spy agency contractor Edward Snowden could be on board. Bolivian and Austrian officials denied this.
   
"Our colleagues from the airport had a look and can give assurances that no one is on board who is not a Bolivian citizen," Spindelegger told reporters at the airport. He said rumors that Snowden might be on board were untrue.
 
This comes as Bolivian President Evo Morales said he was awaiting Spanish permission to fly home through its airspace after he refused Madrid's request to inspect his plane following its diversion to Vienna.
   
"At the moment we are waiting for permission from the Spanish government to continue our flight," Morales told reporters at Vienna airport.

He said officials from the Spanish embassy had wanted to inspect the plane there but he refused.
 
Earlier, Bolivian President Evo Morales was set to head home soon after his plane had to make an unplanned stopover in Vienna, Austrian President Heinz Fischer said.


REUTERS