Peru Ministers Resign en Masse at News of Fujimori's Reported ResignationPeru's cabinet ministers presented their resignations to Prime Minister Federico Salas on Sunday at news of President Alberto Fujimori's reported resignation, the local media reported.The cabinet announced its resignation en masse following a cabinet meeting, chaired by Second Vice President Ricardo Marquez, which discussed the "grave crisis" sweeping Peru. In a statement, the ministers expressed indignation at Fujimori's decision to resign. Earlier Sunday, Fujimori announced in Tokyo that he intended to resign within 48 hours and would for the time being remain in Japan. The ministers also said they would remain in charge of their portfolios until the transition to a new government is achieved and would render necessary support to a new government to be set up in line with the constitution. The joint command of the armed forces also issued a statement saying they would respect any decisions made by the president and the government in accordance with the constitution. Marquez now acts for president as First Vice President Francisco Tudela resigned in October. Fujimori arrived in Tokyo last Friday to seek Japanese loans for Peru, after attending the informal meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Brunei. During his absence from home, Martha Hildebrandt was dismissed as president of the congress and was replaced by opposition lawmaker Valentin Paniagua. |
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