Bolivia expressed "upset and concern" about the remarks of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, who claimed that the oligarchy "pushed by Washington" seeks to divide the Andean nation, Bolivian Foreign Minister Juan Ignacio Siles pointed out.

Few hours later, the Venezuelan president apologized and showed respect for Bolivian sovereignty. "In no event we will make any statement or take action implying meddling in the fellow nation internal affairs," a press release stated.

The Bolivian Foreign Minister reported on a meeting in Montevideo with his Venezuelan counterpart Alí Rodríguez. "He has taken notice of our concern and annoyance. He will discuss it with President Chávez and I understand that some answer will be given then."

During his radio and TV show "Hello, President!", Chávez stated that "the Bolivian oligarchy, pushed by Washington, is trying to divide Bolivia into small pieces. They try to avoid a constituent assembly."