Spain apologises to Bolivian president over plane delay

SPAIN has apologised in writing to Evo Morales for their 'regrettable behaviour' in searching his plane amid suspicions US whistleblower Edward Snowden was on board.

The Bolivian president was held up for 13 hours in Vienna airport as Spanish embassy officials inspected the craft and France, Italy and Portugal refused to let him land there or cross their air-space.

Spanish ambassador in the Bolivian capital, La Paz, Ángel Vázquez, said he was 'disappointed' by his counterpart in Vienna Alberto Carnero two weeks ago, and has hand-delivered the apology letter to Morales' office.

It says: “We regret these events and should like to present our apologies.

“This incident was inappropriate and upset the President as well as placing a Head of State in a difficult and embarrassing situation.”

The letter concludes that Spain hopes the matter will now be closed and that its excellent bilateral relations with Bolivia will continue as previously.