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Hashimoto says he fears 'protracted war' in hostage crisis
January 6, 1997
Web posted at: 1:30 p.m. EST (1830 GMT)
Latest developments: Hashimoto worried about 'unexpected accident' 'No more releases' rebels say Related stories and sites
LIMA, Peru (CNN) -- Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto said Monday he feared "a protracted war" between the Peruvian government and Tupac Amaru rebels who have held 74 people hostage for 20 days.
The rebels raided a reception at Ambassador Morihisa Aoki's home on December 17, taking the guests hostage. They have since released about 400 hostages, but still hold 74 men, including Aoki, inside the house.
"Situations like that make me worried about an unexpected accident," Hashimoto told reporters. "There have been miscues on the guerrillas' side and also on the Peruvian government's side."
Hashimoto did not elaborate on what the miscues were. The prime minister has stressed that Japan wanted a peaceful solution to the crisis and the safe return of the hostages, which include several Japanese businessmen.
'No more releases' rebels say
Meanwhile, the international spokesman for Marxist rebels holding the hostages said on Monday there would be no more releases until the government restarted negotiations.
"There will be no more releases so long as the government fails to agree to a political solution," Isaac Velazco told Reuters. He defined a "political solution" as the "allowing of communication with our imprisoned comrades and the presence at the residence of government negotiator Domingo Palermo to establish points of negotaition."
Bolivian official arrives in Lima
On Sunday, Bolivia's foreign minister, Antonio Aranibar, arrived in Lima to speak with Peruvian officials. Bolivian Ambassador Jorge Gumucio is among the captives.
Aranibar said that his government was soundly behind Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori's handling of the crisis.
"My presence here is intended to bear witness to the concern of the Bolivian government about our ambassador," Aranibar said.
Bolivia has said it would not bargain the freedom of four Tupac Amaru rebels jailed in Bolivia for its ambassador's freedom.
Fujimori has flatly rejected a rebel demand for the release of 400 of their imprisoned comrades.
Roman Catholic Bishop Juan Luis Cipriani celebrated mass inside the residence Sunday, and the hostages were heard singing about returning home.
The rebels last released hostages on January 1, when seven men walked free. The Peruvian government negotiator, Education Minister Domingo Palermo, has not met with the rebels inside the residence in eight days.
Red Cross officials are making routine visits inside the house with food, medicine, and other supplies and materials.
Correspondent Marina Mirabella and Reuters contributed to this report.
Related stories:
- Report: Rebels demand ransom from Japanese companies - January 5, 1997
- Peru rebels to Fujimori: no talks, no solution - January 4, 1997
- Hostage standoff in Peru continues - January 3, 1997
- Fujimori names replacements for leaders held hostage - January 2, 1997
- Seven hostages released from Peru diplomatic compound - January 1, 1997
- Peruvian rebels repeat demand that comrades be freed - December 31, 1996
Related sites:
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- Human Rights Reference Site
- The MRTA Solidarity Page by Arm the Spirit
- Voz Rebelde Internacional -- the official page of the MRTA in Europe (in Spanish)
- Internet Network of Peru
- Peru Home Page (in Spanish)
- Hemisferio Sur (in Spanish) - links to "Caretas" magazine, and "La Republica" and "Expreso" newspapers
- Peru Info Internet
- International Committee of the Red Cross
External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.
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