Chile could be open to Bolivian sea access - paper

SANTIAGO, Aug 19 (Reuters) Chile should be open to giving neighboring Bolivia access to the Pacific Ocean, but that does not mean ceding territory, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet said in an interview published today.

Chile and land-locked Bolivia have not had diplomatic ties for three decades, and the conflict stems from a late 19th century war, in which Bolivia lost its access to the ocean as well as key mining areas.

However, relations have improved since Bachelet and her Bolivian counterpart Evo Morales both took office early last year.

''Chile should be amenable to opening access to the sea for Bolivia,'' Bachelet was quoted as saying in Chile's influential El Mercurio newspaper.

''That, clearly, is different from conferring sovereignty,'' she said, adding that there was ample room for collaboration.

In recent months, the neighbors have appeared closer than ever to resuming diplomatic ties since they were broken in 1978.

REUTERS SBC PM2325