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Peru and Chile in 'spy' scandal | Peru and Chile in 'spy' scandal |
(40 minutes later) | |
A new diplomatic row has erupted between Peru and Chile after a Peruvian court ordered the arrest of two Chilean military officers over alleged spying. | A new diplomatic row has erupted between Peru and Chile after a Peruvian court ordered the arrest of two Chilean military officers over alleged spying. |
The court accused the officers of paying a Peruvian air force officer to reveal national secrets. | The court accused the officers of paying a Peruvian air force officer to reveal national secrets. |
The officer, Victor Ariza Mendoza, has been arrested and charged with spying. | The officer, Victor Ariza Mendoza, has been arrested and charged with spying. |
Peru's President Alan Garcia said he was leaving the Asia-Pacific summit in Singapore a day early over the espionage row. | |
He also said he had cancelled planned talks with his Chilean counterpart, Michelle Bachelet, at the Apec summit. | |
"I am returning 24 hours earlier than scheduled so I can obtain complete and sufficient information (on the issue) and to be able to speak from Peru," Mr Garcia said, quoted by AFP new agency. | |
Reports in the Peruvian media said Lima had recalled its ambassador to Chile for talks. | |
Lima-based El Comercio reported that Mr Ariza had worked at the Peruvian embassy in Santiago in 2003. | Lima-based El Comercio reported that Mr Ariza had worked at the Peruvian embassy in Santiago in 2003. |
Tensions are already strained between the two countries following a military exercise staged by Chile last month near its disputed border with Peru. | |
Peru and Chile have been embroiled in a bitter border dispute since the late 19th century, when Chile defeated Peru in the War of the Pacific. | Peru and Chile have been embroiled in a bitter border dispute since the late 19th century, when Chile defeated Peru in the War of the Pacific. |
The countries also disagree on their maritime border, and last year Peru took Chile to the international court in The Hague to seek a resolution. | The countries also disagree on their maritime border, and last year Peru took Chile to the international court in The Hague to seek a resolution. |