Forced Elections Threaten Peru-U.S. RelationsThe absence of free elections in Peru will unavoidably affect the relations between this Andean country and the United States, said Friday a press release distributed by the United States embassy in this capital.The communique quotes statements made Friday morning in Washington by President Bill Clinton, who deplored the Peruvian electoral authorities decision of not to postpone the second round election scheduled for this Sunday. "Clinto said that the National Elections Jury (JNE) decision was adopted despite well documented concerns expressed by the Organization of American States (OAS) observers mission, said the U.S. embassy's press release. According to the U.S. embassy bulletin, a postponement, even for a short time, would have given the OAS mission an opportunity to observe the electoral process with more confidence, after it was called fraudulent by opposition candidate Alejandro Toledo. The U.S. embassy also called correct the OAS observers mission decision of not taking part in Sunday's run-off election, which will be held with President Alberto Fujimori as the sole candidate, who aspires to a third mandate. It adds that free, fair, and open elections are the basis for any democratic society and that in the absence of these laments the relations between the United States and the government of Peru will be seriously affected. The communique also warned Peru that Washington is consulting with other countries of the hemisphere and with the international community to determine the appropriate steps to follow |
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