Peru withdraws ambassador to Japan over Fujimori case
(AFP)
Updated: 2005-11-11 09:46

Peru withdrew its ambassador in Japan to protest Tokyo's attitude toward Peru's ex-president Alberto Fujimori, who avoided Peruvian justice while living in Japan for the last five years before his arrest in Chile this week.

"The government of Peru has decided to consider terminated the functions of the ambassador of Peru in Japan," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

The strongly-worded announcement warned Japan against meddling in Fujimori's case as Chilean authorities review an extradition request from Peru. Fujimori obtained Japanese citizenship while in Japan.

"Any intervention by Tokyo in the extradition process underway with Chilean authorities for the ex-president Alberto Fujimori will constitute unacceptable interference," the statement said.

The diplomatic rebuke came a day after three Japanese diplomats met with Fujimori for 40 minutes in Santiago where he has been detained since Monday, following his unexpected arrival in Chile.

Japan, which had been lobbying for consular access to Fujimori, said it was merely extending standard assistance as it would to any of its citizens detained abroad but Peru appeared to view Tokyo's actions with suspicion.

Foreign Minister Oscar Maurtua summoned Japan's ambassador to Lima, Hitohiro Ishida, to inform him of the decision, the statement said.

Protesters hold candles and shout slogans against former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori outside the police training academy in Santiago, Chile, Thursday, Nov. 10, 2005, where Fujimori is being held since he was detained on an international arrest warrant after arriving on Sunday. [AP]

The foreign ministry has also criticized Japan for failing to stop Fujimori's flight or of warning Lima about his departure. But Japan says it had no advance warning of the ex-president's travel plans.

Fujimori, 67, had enjoyed a safe haven in Tokyo for five years until Sunday when he flew unannounced to Chile as part of his bid to return to power in Peru, which has a warrant out for his arrest.

Peru and Japan have clashed previously over Fujimori.

The son of Japanese immigrants, Fujimori fled to Tokyo in 2000 in self-imposed exile, faxing his resignation as president from a Tokyo hotel. Japan then granted Fujimori nationality and rejected Peru's request to extradite him.

Fujimori evokes strong feelings in Peru, where he was president from 1990 to 2000 until his government collapsed in scandal.

He faces 21 charges in Peru, including corruption and human rights violations, but Fujimori has vowed to win back the presidency.

A Peruvian supporter of former Peruvian president Alberto Fujimori yells slogans in front of a banner with Fujimori's picture during a protest in front of the Chilean embassy in Lima November 10, 2005.[Reuters]

The Peruvian Congress in 2000 banned Fujimori from running for public office for 10 years though the National Electoral Court has yet to decide if he can stand in next year's vote.

Fujimori's advocates say his arrival in Chile is a "calculated risk" and some analysts say Fujimori is gambling that Chile's judiciary will refuse Peru's extradition request.

Supporters and opponents of Fujimori have gathered daily outside the Chilean embassy in Lima to express their opinion about the former president.

Some 800 trade union members marched against Fujimori Thursday, demanding Chile extradite him promptly.

According to polls taken last May, Fujimori enjoys substantial public backing, with 20 percent of voters supporting him. Only conservative candidate Lourdes Flores ranks ahead of him with 30 percent support.