On Tuesday, Evo Morales criticized European countries for acceding to U.S. demands, saying the former colonizers of Latin America are now being colonies of the United States.

Bolivian President Evo Morales: “The invaders, the colonists, now they are the colonies, and they are the invaded, and they are the ones to submit to the United States. I don’t understand what is happening in Europe. From here, I believe that, along with the social movements of Europe, we are going to defend the sovereignty and dignity of these people who are also our peers.”

Bolivia has accused the United States of spreading the false rumor as a means of intimidation into rejecting Edward Snowden’s bid for asylum. Bolivia and Venezuela have since said they would take Snowden in, and Nicaragua has signaled it would do the same.