Fujimori arrested in Chile - Peru's foreign minister
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-11-07 15:09

JAPAN REFUSED TO EXTRADITE FUJIMORI

Peru was planning to launch a suit at the International Court in The Hague this year to try to force Japan to send the former president to Peru for trial.

Japan had refused to extradite Fujimori, born in Peru to Japanese immigrants, because he obtained citizenship after moving there in 2000.

Ernesto Velit, an independent political analyst in Lima, said Fujimori's arrival in Chile was probably only a stop on his way to Peru to face charges.

Supporters of former Peruvian president Alberto Fujimori celebrate the arrival of Fujimori in neighbouring country Chile, in Lima November 6, 2005. Fujimori, wanted in Peru on an international arrest warrant on human rights abuse and corruption charges, made a surprise visit to Chile on Sunday as he tried to relaunch his political career and run for president next year. [Reuters]

"I believe he's been forced to by the Japanese government because Japan doesn't want to be criticized by an international court for not handing him over," Velit told Reuters. "It will obviously strengthen his political image because he's facing the charges."

Fujimori's right-hand man, former spy chief Vladimiro Montesinos, is in prison after spinning a web of cash for favors to keep Fujimori in power.

Still, many Peruvians remember Fujimori in a good light, for crushing left-wing rebels, controlling hyperinflation and bringing electricity and schools to remote villages.

Hundreds of his supporters gathered in central Lima on Sunday, many wearing his political color, orange, waving balloons and blowing whistles in a planned meeting to launch the alliance of three political groups that support his election campaign.

Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo called an emergency cabinet meeting to discuss the issue.