VP’s Plane Has Minor Electrical Problem

WASHINGTON – Vice President Dick Cheney’s plane experienced a minor mechanical problem but was making a refueling stop in Singapore as planned on Sunday, the White House said.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard had said earlier that he had received a report that Cheney’s plane was being diverted after it took off from Sydney, but that he did not have any details.

A White House spokeswoman confirmed late Saturday that the plane experienced a minor mechanical problem, but said it was not diverted. Instead, she said it was making a previously scheduled refueling stop in Singapore after leaving Sydney at about 5 p.m. EST.

"There was an electrical problem involving a generator, but no safety issue," said White House spokeswoman Emily Lawrimore. "The plane is fine."

Cheney left Australia after a three-day visit to thank the government for contributing troops to Iraq and Afghanistan. He had earlier visited Japan and Guam.