The Argentinian government harshly condemned Leon Panetta, the new CIA director, for warning of a potential economic crisis in the country. The country's foreign ministry summoned the US ambassador to Buenos Aires "to explain the lamentable statements" made by Panetta, describing them as "unacceptable interference" in its affairs.

Panetta told reporters Feb. 25 he had been informed that the US would have to pay more attention to Latin America because of "some serious problems...that involve economic instability." He later said the concerns "particularly involved Argentina, Ecuador, and Venezuela." But Argentine Foreign Minister Jorge Taiana said at a news conference the next day that such remarks were "irresponsible, unfounded and do not show respect." He added: "It is an unacceptable interference in our internal affairs." (AlJazeera, Feb. 27)

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