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July 3, 2013

Bolivian Plane Grounded, Searched in Austria over Snowden Rumors 
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A controversy has erupted between Bolivia, the United States and several
European countries after false rumors emerged Bolivian President Evo
Morales had rescued National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden from
legal limbo in Russia. On Tuesday, a plane carrying Morales was rerouted
to Austria after France and Portugal barred it from their airspace over
concerns Snowden was on board. Bolivia's foreign minister denounced the
move, calling the Snowden rumor "a lie."

Bolivian Foreign Minister David Choquehuanca: "Portugal needs to explain
to us, France needs to explain to us, why they canceled permission.
Besides, this plane is French and has pilots trained in France. We are
in communication with authorities. We consider that it could possibly be
because of statements from President Morales over the case of Mr.
Snowden, who has asked for asylum. We're going to analyze this. They
want to intimidate us. It is discrimination towards our president. It
has endangered the life of the president."

Bolivia's defense minister has blamed the White House for Morales'
forced landing in Austria, calling it an act of U.S. sabotage. Bolivia
also accused Austria of aggression after delaying the plane's departure
for several hours and searching on board. Bolivia is one of 20 countries
where Snowden has reportedly applied for asylum after withdrawing his
bid to stay in Russia.

 

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