Argentina confirms robbery of Bush daughter

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, Nov 23 (Reuters) One of US President George W Bush's daughters had her purse stolen while visiting the Argentine capital accompanied by Secret Service agents, an Argentine official has confirmed.

''The daughter was touring a typical tourist place, left her bag on the floor and it was robbed,'' Interior Minister Anibal Fernandez told reporters yesterday.

''I don't want to talk more about this issue,'' he said without identifying which of Bush's twin daughters were involved.

ABC News, citing unnamed law enforcement officials, reported on its Web site on Tuesday that Barbara Bush had her purse and cellphone stolen while having dinner at a Buenos Aires restaurant The US Embassy in Buenos Aires, the White House and the Secret Service have declined to comment.

The robbery created a media buzz in Argentina with one headline on the Web site of the state news agency Telam reading: ''Bush's bodyguards couldn't handle San Telmo purse-snatcher,'' referring to the neighborhood where the robbery allegedly occurred.

Another Argentine media report said the purse was stolen as Secret Service agents stood nearby.

Radio and television reporters flocked to the main square in the historic San Telmo neighborhood -- known for its outdoor restaurants and tango shows -- trying in vain to find out in which restaurant the purse disappeared.

Barbara, 24, was visiting her twin sister, Jenna, who had been been in neighbouring Paraguay recently in an activity related with the United Nations Children's Fund, UNICEF, according to Argentine media reports.

Fernandez said the President Bush's daughters were still in the country and federal police were participating ''actively'' in their security detail after the incident.

REUTERS AKJ PM0932