Diaz sorry for political slogan

Updated 12.48 Mon Jun 25 2007

Keywords: Peru, Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz has apologised for carrying a bag with a slogan which might be offensive to Peruvians.

The Shrek star, who's been holidaying in the South American country, visited Machu Picchu with a green bag printed with a red star and the words "serve the people" in Chinese.

"I sincerely apologise to anyone I may have inadvertently offended" - Cameron Diaz

It's thought to be a reminder of the Peruvian war against Maoist rebels in the 1980s and '90s, where up to 69,000 people were killed.

Diaz admitted she did not realise the slogan's "potentially hurtful nature", saying: "I sincerely apologise to anyone I may have inadvertently offended. The bag was a purchase I made as a tourist in China.

"I'm sorry for any people's pain and suffering, and it was certainly never my intention to reopen what I now know is a painful wound in this country's history."

The actress was on her fourth day of holiday in the ancient Incan capital city of Cuzco and is expected to stay until June 26.