DATE=9/17/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=-PERU/ELECTION CALLED (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-266602
BYLINE=SHARON STEVENSON
DATELINE=LIMA,PERU
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori has
surprised political observers, calling for new general
elections and saying he will NOT be a candidate.
Sharon Stevenson reports from Lima that Mr. Fujimori
also promised to deactivate the scandal-rocked
National Intelligence System.
TEXT: President Fujimori's surprise announcement
followed days of political turmoil that was touched
off when a video tape was broadcast showing his
controversial intelligence advisor paying a 15-
thousand dollar bribe to a congressional candidate.
The payment was made to persuade the candidate to
switch allegiance to the ruling party.
The tape prompted opposition demands for criminal
charges against intelligence chief Vladimiro
Montesinos and for Mr. Fujimori's resignation.
Earlier Saturday, the head of the Organization of
American States, Cesar Gaviria, had called on the
president to take quick and severe action. Mr.
Fujimori apparently took the advice to heart, and went
on television within hours to announce his decision.
///ACT OF FUJIMORI IN SPANISH, THEN FADE TO.///
He says "I do not want to be a cause of division in
society, and even less do I want to be an obstacle to
strengthening the democratic system."
The Peruvian leader went on to say that he had decided
to deactivate the National Intelligence system and to
call general elections as soon as possible
The main opposition party spokesman, Dr. Luis
Solari,said he thinks the decision shows courage on
the part of the president, but that there is still
work to be done before new elections can be held.
///ACT of Solari in Spanish, then fade to.///
He says "It is necessary that we correct all the
problems that there are in the election board and in
many other institutions so that Peruvians can truly
have authorities who win in free and fair elections."
Political tensions have been running high since
general elections last May and June . International
observers had criticized the vote, saying it was not
up to international standards.
/// OPT ///
There have since been several large demonstrations and
marches.
Earlier Saturday evening unconfirmed local news
reports said that the Intelligence Chief, Mr.
Montesinos, had called on Special Forces units to
guard him. A Justice Ministry official had said Friday
that Mr. Montesinos had promised to appear in court if
he is prosecuted.
/// END OPT ///
Jubilant marches and demonstrations in many major
Peruvian cities followed the President's announcemnt
that he would call new elections. There has been no
timetable set for the new elections.(Signed)
NEB/SS/PFH
17-Sep-2000 02:44 AM EDT (17-Sep-2000 0644 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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