Chile rejects Peru's protest over alleged arms sales to Ecuador
Chile rejected Peru's protest over Santiago's alleged arms sales to Ecuador during a Peru-Ecuador war in 1995, while Peru expressed dissatisfaction at Chile's refusal to apologize.

Peru's accusation questioned the credibility of the Chilean government, which Chile said was "unacceptable."

Acting Chilean Vice Foreign Minister Demetrio Infante on Monday night handed Chile's response to Peruvian ambassador Jose Antonio Meier.

Peru expressed its dissatisfaction at Chile's response. Meier, while receiving the statement, said he "firmly reiterated the protest of the Peruvian government and people."

The Peruvian protest also accused Chile of failing to properly play its role as a guarantor of a Peru-Ecuador peace accord signed in 1942 after a previous war.

Peruvian Vice Foreign Minister Armando Lecaros said Tuesday that he regretted Chile did not present an appropriate apology to Peru.

Chile expressed its "deep displeasure" with Peru's letter of protest, saying Peru made the letter public on Sunday before it was received by Santiago.

"As it is widely known, both governments had agreed to clear up any doubts by resorting to the existing consultation mechanisms," said the Chilean Foreign Ministry in a statement.

However, Chile expressed its willingness to solve the issue by "cooperation and dialogue."