MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

The Police group drummer apologizes to Chilean president

The two laidy Presidents that attracted attention to The Police

The drummer for The Police has apologised to the Chilean president after apparently implying that he found her less attractive that her Argentine counterpart.

Stewart Copeland's coarse remark risked overshadowing the Santiago leg of the band's comeback tour of South America, after his comments were picked up by the local press and considered derogatory. In an interview given to a Chilean magazine he reportedly said: "Look, the future President of Argentina would be good for one beer; yours (would be good) for four." The curious jibe was interpreted by many in Chile as meaning that Copeland would have to be drunk before making a pass at Michelle Bachelet, 56, their president. Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, 54, who won the Argentine presidential election in October and will be sworn in next Monday December 10, is known for her fashionable, stylish look. Mrs. Bachelet cuts a more reserved, less flashy figure. But Copeland has now written to Mrs Bachelet to apologise for his comments, which he insists were taken out of context. The letter was released by the Chilean government. He has also invited her to attend the band's Santiago concert on Thursday. "I was mortified to learn this remark reached you and you were asked to comment on such a trivial matter," he wrote. "If by chance you are able, Sting, Andy (Summers) and I would welcome the opportunity to personally express our admiration for you and your wonderful country by extending an invitation to you and your guests to attend our performance." Mrs Bachelet has yet to reply to the letter. It is not known if she is, or was, a fan of The Police.