Tensions rise in Peru: Francisco Sagasti questioned former armed forces commanders who asked not to recognize Pedro Castillo

The President of Peru, Francisco sagasti, underlined this Friday the “neutrality” of the Armed Forces and the National Police and that demand that any attempt to undermine constitutional order be investigated, a day after he was known a letter from former senior officials of the military institution encouraging not to recognize the new head of state.

In a message to the country, President Sagasti announced that he had asked the Minister of Defense, Nuria Esparch, “Coordinate the sending of these letters” to the Public Prosecutor’s Office so that “Carry out the necessary investigations” determine “possible behavior harmful to the constitutional order“And in this case”establish respective responsibilities”.

Sagasti’s statement comes a day after the armed forces received a letter signed by hundreds of retired officers who asked not to know Peru’s next president if the electoral institutions do not investigate the alleged irregularities which would have been committed during the second round. A theory that has already been dismissed by Peruvian electoral justice and international observers.

“What is unacceptable is that a group of retired Armed Forces intends to incite the high command of the Army, Navy and Air Force to violate the law. ‘rule of law’Sagasti condemned.

“As Constitutional President of the Republic, I reject this type of communication which is not only contrary to democratic values ​​and institutions, but also are acts contrary to the Constitution and the laws“Underlined Sagasti, who recalled that both the Armed Forces and the National Police” are neutral and not deliberative “.

“As the supreme chief of the armed forces and the national police of Peru, I guarantee neutrality and demand that they be respected. I urge citizens to remain calm and serene in the difficult times we are living through a few days after the commemoration of the bicentenary of independence, ”he concluded.

Peru waits to meet its next president, after the disputed second round of June 6, which left the candidate Pedro Castillo, with 50.12% of the vote, ahead of the option represented by Keiko Fujimori, who with 49.87% of the vote launched a legal campaign to try to turn the situation around.

Fujimori has insisted on exposing electoral fraud since Castillo passed the ballot, but without providing conclusive evidence.. Instead, election observers for the Organization of American States (OAS) said the vote was clear, without “serious irregularities.”

With information from EuropaPress

KEEP READING: