U.S. removes portable missiles at Bolivia request

The United States denied on Thursday reports that it disposed a small number of portable missiles in Bolivia without having consulted with the La Paz government.

"We worked with the Bolivian government on the removal of a small quantity of man-portable surface-to-air missiles (manpads) that were in deteriorating condition," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack told a news briefing.

McCormack rejected suggestions the operation was conducted secretly and without the knowledge of some Bolivian authorities to remove what might have been considered a threat.

"This was done at the request of the Bolivian government. They requested our assistance in this," McCormack said, noting it was consistent with a resolution adopted by the Organization of American States in June.

McCormack made the remarks as the U.S. relations with Bolivia entered a delicate phase with the victory of left-wing presidential candidate Evo Morales in last Sunday's presidential election.

Evo Morales has called on U.S. President George W Bush to respect "the sovereign will of Bolivia's people."

Source: Xinhua