The United States labeled as "ridiculous" President Hugo Chávez' claims that Washington is plotting against Bolivian president-elect Evo Morales.

"US respects democracy and thinking otherwise is ridiculous," a spokeswoman of US Embassy in La Paz who spoke under condition of anonymity Wednesday told AP.

"Bolivians have elected Evo Morales and have decided that he will be their president. We are going to respect such a decision," she added, speaking on behalf of the US Embassy.

Chávez Tuesday declared he was sure that "the US Embassy to Bolivia has already started to plot against Evo (Morales.)" The Venezuelan ruler claimed that plans are under way to overthrow the leftist indigenous leader who is to take office next January 22.

Chávez' remarks sparked several reactions in Bolivia, and the Bolivian government replied cautiously. "We shall evaluate (Chávez' claims)," said Julio Pimentel, the spokesman for the presidency.

Diplomat sources told AP that Bolivian Foreign Affairs Minister Armando Loaiza met with officials to assess Chávez' remarks.

"Chávez is a friend, and his statement is an alert," said Bolivian indigenous senator Román Loayza, a member of Morales' party.

Meanwhile political analyst Helena Argirakis asserted that Chávez intends "to drag Bolivia into his own conflict with the United States."