MEXICO, October 3 - RAPSI. The Bolivian government has confirmed its decision take Chile to an international court over the Antofagasta territorial dispute, Bolivian Deputy Foreign Minister Juan Carlos Alurralde Tejada announced on Tuesday.

An armed conflict broke out in the late 1880s when Chile began hostilities against Bolivia, which then had access to the Pacific coast in the Antofagasta area, and against Peru, which sided with Bolivia. The conflict stemmed from the rivalry for the control over saltpeter deposits. The war ended with a Chilean victory and Bolivia lost its access to the ocean. Peru also lost one of its provinces.

Bolivian President Evo Morales mentioned the possibility of going to court at the end of last year. His statement caused negotiations between the two countries to come to a halt. Morales also jokingly proposed that the territorial dispute should be decided by a football match.

Companera radio station quotes Alurralde as saying that "since Chile is unable to sit at the negotiation table with Bolivia, we will have to face each other in an international court."

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera has responded by saying that the recent international treaties should be observed and Chile is ready to defend its territory and sovereignty by any means necessary.