Chile denies Peru claims of spying

SANTIAGO, Chile, Nov. 17 (UPI) -- The Chilean government, after talking with its ambassador to Peru, has reiterated its denial of spying on its South American neighbor.

Peruvian officials arrested one of the country's air force officers, accusing him of passing secrets to the Chilean military, and demanded that Chile investigate the matter, the BBC reported Tuesday.

After the spying scandal erupted during the weekend, Peruvian President Alan Garcia canceled a meeting with Chilean leader Michelle Bachelet during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Singapore, saying he would return to Lima to address the matter.

Chilean officials meanwhile have urged restraint, saying Peru is overreacting, the BBC said.