La Paz, July 21 (RHC)-- Bolivian President Evo Morales had harsh words for neighboring Chile after his Foreign Minister David Choquehuanca had to wait for more than six hours to get into the Chilean border city of Arica that serves as a free 'port' for Bolivia.
Choquehuanca travelled along with a delegation earlier this week to the port city in order to verify allegations of abuse and discrimination against Bolivian truckers. Chilean authorities however did not allow them free access, saying they had not been informed about the visit.
Evo Morales said Chile's attitude is part of "a colonial and even fascist mentality." Since Evo became Bolivia's president in 2006, he has continuously called for "fair and sovereign access to the sea" for his country.
Evo Morales maintained that Choquehuanca is a representative of Bolivia who was visiting the neighboring country to strengthen brotherhood, but also to resolve outstanding issues. Bolivia filed a complaint with the ICJ in April 2013, asking the court to compel Chile to negotiate “in good faith” over the country’s access to the sea.
Chile's Foreign Minister Heraldo Munoz fired back at Morales, saying that "no Bolivian government has taken the relationship with Chile to such low level in 100 years."