The Peruvian government has recalled its ambassador to Bolivia after Bolivian President Evo Morales accused it of hosting a secret US military base. At a news conference, Peruvian President Alan Garcia dismissed Morales’ comments and accused him of interference in Peru’s sovereignty.

Peruvian President Alan Garcia: “Peru is a sovereign, important country. It’s a big country in the world, and so we can’t stand idly by as an outsider takes the liberty of provoking our country, let alone from the president of Bolivia himself. This whole thing, that there is a US base in Peru, is grounded in outrageous lies and manipulations.”

Garcia went on to call on Morales to “shut up.” Morales denounced Garcia’s comments and defended his criticism of US military bases.

Bolivian President Evo Morales: “I have personally experienced what it is like to live with a US military base — North American soldiers who are armed, wearing uniforms, who instruct our armed forces, who instruct the national police to participate in repressions, to participate in massacres. I have to share that experience with my Latin American brothers. It is an obligation of those who
defend dignity.”

Tensions between Peru and Bolivia have escalated since Peru signed a so-called “free trade” agreement with the US last year.