Monday, November 05, 2007

Chile hacked

SANTIAGO, Chile - A hacker broke into the web page of Chile's presidency on the weekend and planted the flag of neighbouring Peru, leaving the site inoperable for about 18 hours until it was restored Monday.

The intruder left a message - "Long live Peru," followed by an expletive - as well as the flag around midday Sunday. Officials took the site down a few minutes later, leaving a notice: "Because we want to give a better service, we are working for you."

The site was restored Monday morning.

Carlos Portales, political director of the Chilean foreign ministry, said the incident was being investigated.

"It has happened with other web pages, including some from the United States government, the Vatican," Portales told reporters.

While Chile and Peru have generally friendly relations, tensions rise sporadically over the aftermath of two 19th century wars between the two countries. A dispute over maritime boundaries has also been developing.

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