LIMA, Aug 22 (NNN-ANDINA) — Defense Ministry Jorge Chavez affirmed that the agreement reached between Peru and the United States on air interception will strengthen the fight against drugs.
“I think that resuming the relations between the United States and Peru on the issue of the fight against drugs has been very important,” Chavez said in statements to Canal N.
“While it is true that it is the responsibility of the Ministry of Interior —as well as all those entities in said sector such as the National Police, Devida, and other types of organizations— to take actions in the fight against drugs, the Armed Forces cannot shy away from its co-responsibility, particularly in interdiction work,“ he added.
The government official recalled that more than two decades ago there was an incident with the downing of a small plane, which led the North American country to impose a veto on Peru, thereby preventing the necessary support for the entire radar system.
Likewise, he remarked that the interdiction work to be carried out jointly with the U.S. does not mean downing aircraft automatically, but that a protocol will be in place to deter illegal entry of equipment.
“The fact of carrying out an air interdiction operation does not mean that we have to shoot down a small plane. The entire (radar) system procedure will be implemented with the support of the United States in terms of logistics, financing, provision of aircraft, provision of radar systems, and provision of support,” Chavez explained.
“Once the two aircraft leave to intercept the small plane, they will use light signals to indicate that it must return or land. When a small plane enters the area, it is declared suspicious. Our Air Force units will have to escort it,” he noted.
According to the Cabinet member, cooperative work with the United States will reduce the incidence of illicit drug trafficking that has been taking place in Peru.
Finally, he underscored that, although Peru needs various resources, the agreement reached with the U.S. will increase logistics and technical support for defense work.
“We lack many resources. A part of these agreements involves the provision of intelligence, financing, communications, maintenance, training, as well as logistics, technical and administrative support,” the minister added. — NNN-ANDINA
