MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Chile cautions Peruvian about border reviews.

Chile respects all opinions but stands strongly by its borders policy was Santiago's quick reply to Peruvian demands for talks on maritime frontiers and Peru's alleged readiness “in the event of an armed conflict with Chile”.

In the latest statement exchange with Chile, Peruvian second vice-president David Waisman said he openly supported Peruvian Defence Minister remarks that "our Armed Forces are ready morally and technically for any armed conflict", in direct reference to the maritime dispute between both Pacific countries.

However Chilean Cabinet Secretary Francisco Vidal cautioned that "there's no Defence Minister in the world that dares say his Armed Forces are not ready in the event of a conflict", but also added that "the main thing is to keep steady and never panic in government".

Mr. Vidal underlined Chile's respect for all opinions but particularly for International Law "which is the essence of the matter and supports the intangible of border treaties". "As far as we are concerned the maritime borders (with Peru) were finalized with the 1952 and 1954 treaties and are unmovable".

Mr. Waisman on supporting Peruvian Defence Minister strong statements argued that maritime borders with Chile are a pending issue that must be addressed diplomatically, but with out overlooking our war capabilities.

Earlier in the day, Chilean Foreign Secretary Soledad Alvear in a Congressional hearing insisted that "there's no debate on sovereignty or borders", and if Peruvian "President Toledo believes this, "he is ill informed and there will no review of treaties, nor have we invited Peru to participate in such talks".

In related news Chile and Ecuador (north of Peru) agreed on naming a special and standing committee to address Law of the Sea and maritime borders issues, with the purpose of a common strategy to face the increasing demands from Peru.

Ecuadorian Foreign Affairs Minister Patricio Zuquilanda interviewed in Santiago said that historic treaties agreed by countries of the region "must be respected". "I believe Peru has no intention of triggering a conflict. I'm sure they will meditate and find, bilaterally with Chile, the solution and most appropriate situation", he added.

In spite of Peru's insistence, both Chile and Ecuador have repeatedly stated that the Maritime Borders Zone treaty of 1952, involving Chile, Peru and Ecuador, sealed all controversies.

Actually Peru is in the midst of a serious political crisis. President Alejandro Toledo public standing is below 8%, he just recently lost control of Congress, several members of his family including his wife are under investigation for alleged graft and corruption, and the country's most prestigious newspaper, El Comercio de Lima editorialized it was probably time to begin thinking about impeachment procedures, if the president refuses to advance the electoral calendar.

No wonder then the appeal to Peruvian nationalism and regional rivalries as potential candidates prepare for what seems an irreversible end to the ever weakening current administration.