Santiago de Chile, January 7 (PL-RHC) -- Chile responded in drastic terms to Bolivia regarding its demand to have access to the sea, when it stressed it will reject any mediation to solve this conflict.

During a press conference, Chile's Foreign Minister Heraldo Muñóz underlined that the bilateral issue is being analyzed at the International Court of Justice in the Hague, Netherlands.

Chile has not accepted and will not accept any mediation in an issue absolutely of a bilateral nature and which only concerns Chile and Bolivia, said Muñoz. The Chilean official referred specifically to comments made by Bolivian President Evo Morales, who said Pope Francis had taken interest in the issue and asked for information on the subject.

Muñoz said his country would never accept the cession of territory under pressure or mediation of any type. He also announced diplomatic actions by Chile in several countries to explain his nation's point of view on the matter. Also at the press conference was Chilean representative to the Hague, Felipe Bulnes.
Bolivia presented its demand before the International Court of Justice in The Hague to force Chile to negotiate an access to the sea for Bolivia.