Peru-Chile Sea Limit Talks Exclude US
Peruvian Foreign Minister Jose Garcia discarded US arbitration in the maritime limit difference between Peru and Chile, and reiterated the need to negotiate an agreement on the topic with Chile.

In view of speculations on US involvement, Garcia told press that the 1929 Peruvian-Chilean limit agreement only contemplated Washington s arbitration in items of the agreement, but maritime limits were not included in the agreement.

"Terrestrial limits are defined by the 1929 agreement, but maritime limits are not defined. It s as simple as that," he stated.

He said some sectors demand for an appeal to the International Court of Le Hague will be analyzed at the right moment, without precipitation.

Garcia emphasized that Lima and Santiago need to define their limits in a special treaty because Chile considers the maritime border established by two territorial agreements 50 years ago, which brings the line very close to Peruvian coasts.

Luis Gonzales Posada, president of the congressional Defense Committee, affirmed there are sectors fostering disagreements over the Chilean law because they want to sell weapons to the two countries, and arm the region as a whole.

The Peruvian foreign minister pointed out that despite problems, Peru and Chile should continue cooperation and integration, with clearer ideas on what unites them and a willingness to dialogue to overcome differences.