Bush's twins asked to leave Argentina: US Embassy

Buenos Aires (Argentina), Nov 28: The US Embassy in Argentina rejected reports that it had told President George W Bush's twin daughters to leave the country after a widely publicized purse-snatching incident.

ABC News reported on its Web site yesterday that embassy officials had ''strongly suggested'' that the twins, Jenna and Barbara Bush, cut short their visit to Buenos Aires due to security concerns.

Argentine officials confirmed last week that one of Bush's daughters had her purse stolen in San Telmo, a neighborhood popular with tourists. The incident led to teasing by Argentine media about the twins' seemingly ineffective Secret Service bodyguards.

''We have seen a report from news sources stating that embassy officials strongly suggested that President Bush's daughters curtail their visit in Argentina,'' the U.S. Embassy said in a written statement. ''This is false.

''The embassy welcomes the visit and has provided close support and cooperation,'' the statement read.

Television footage showed the Bush daughters cheering on Argentina's most popular soccer club, Boca Juniors, on Sunday.

The twins marked their 25th birthday in Argentina on Saturday.

It was not immediately clear whether they were still in Argentina on Monday.

Reuters