SANTIAGO: Chile said Tuesday that all Bolivian government officials would need entry visas in passports to visit, amid a tense diplomatic standoff between the two neighbors.
The move was a firm rebuke after Bolivian Foreign Minister David Choquehuanca made an unofficial visit to Chilean ports this week.
The countries have an agreement under which Chile allows Bolivia access to its ports; Choquehuanca had critical words to say, and outraged Chilean officials who insist they are keeping their side of the deal.
But there is no shortage of bad blood between the Andean neighbors.
Bolivia lost its access to the sea to Chile in the War of the Pacific in the 19th century, and has stepped up efforts to get it back under President Evo Morales.
Relations remain frosty between the two countries, which have no formal diplomatic relations since 1978.
Recently, Chile opened a new case before the Hague-based ICJ over a disputed water course originating in Bolivia.
Foreign Minister Heraldo Munoz said the new visa requirement would be for government officials only, not ordinary Chileans.
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