Spain says it was 'told' Snowden on Bolivia plane

[July 05, 2013]  MADRID (AP) -- Spain says it and other European countries were told that fugitive NSA leaker Edward Snowden was aboard the Bolivian presidential plane that was diverted to Austria this week, causing a diplomatic row.

Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo said Friday on Spanish National Television "they told us that the information was clear, that he was inside."

The minister did not say who supplied the information and declined to say whether he had been in contact with the United States. But he says European countries' reactions were based on this information.

Bolivia President Evo Morales claims Washington pressured European countries to deny the plane flyover permission Tuesday on suspicion that Snowden was using the flight as part of his bid to seek asylum.

[Associated Press]

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