'This old hag is worse than the cross-eyed man': Uruguayan president makes Cristina Fernández de Kirchner comments in open-mic gaffe

Remarks about President of Argentina are condemned by Buenos Aires who responded with an official protest, calling the comments 'unacceptable'

The Uruguayan president José Mujica (right) is embroiled in a diplomatic row today after he was reportedly caught referring to the Argentinian PM, Cristina Fernández (left), as an 'old hag'. (GETTY IMAGES)

The Uruguayan president José Mujica is embroiled in a diplomatic row today after he was reportedly caught referring to the Argentinian president, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, as an 'old hag'.

In remarks picked up by an open microphone at the start of a news conference Mr Mujica was heard apparently saying: "This old hag is worse than the cross-eyed man."

The comment, which reports claim was a reference to Kirchner and her late husband, have been condemned today by Buenos Aires who responded with an official protest, calling the remarks 'unacceptable'.

The comment was first reported by the El Observador newspaper, who posted audio on their website. The website was quickly overwhelmed with traffic and remains down.

Following the reported slip-up Mujica told La Republica that he had not mentioned Argentina in his comments.

According to the Buenos Aires Herald the Argentinian government summoned the Uruguayan ambassador to warn him that such comments are "unacceptable, denigrating and offend the memory of a dead person."

Foreign Minister Héctor Timerman met with ambassador Guillermo Pomi and reportedly told him of the 'deep discomfort' created by comments regarding the Argentinian president late husband.

A statement released by the Ministry adds that "it is unacceptable for Argentina that these denigrating statements that offend the memory and office of a dead person, unable to reply or defend himself, were particularly made by someone who Dr. Kirchner considered his friend."

According to the Buenos Aires Herald Cristina Fernández de Kirchner "would not be making any statements on the matter."

Mujica, a former guerrilla fighter, is famously regarded as the world's 'poorest' president as he reportedly donates around 90 per cent of his $12,000 monthly salary to charities