Radio Havana Cuba | Peru’s foreign minister calls on the opposition to lift its veto on a presidential tour

LIMA, October 7 (RHC) Peruvian Foreign Minister Javier Landa (pictured) has called on the opposition to lift the blockade on a mini-European tour of President Pedro Castillo, despite the fact that the opposition bloc in Congress intends, in addition, to question Landa.

The minister declared himself surprised by the decision of a narrow parliamentary minority to deny the permission constitutionally needed by the president to leave the country to visit the Vatican, Italy and Belgium from 12-18 October.

He highlighted the importance of the visit of Pope Francis, at the invitation of the Pope, and noted the religiosity of the majority of Peruvians, and the agreed meetings with European Union leaders in Belgium.

He also highlighted meetings with organizations such as the World Food Program and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to discuss combating food insecurity in Peru.

He urged the parliamentarians, who yesterday refused permission by 55 votes against the trip, to 54 against and six abstentions to “review this decision as it affects not only the president but the foreign policy and humanitarian policy that needs to be strengthened.” International cooperation.

He also presented the hard core of the opposition, yesterday, an interpellation to Landa, which may lead to his reprimand or his dismissal, and the chancellor announced his readiness to go to Parliament to present a multilateral and independent foreign policy, respect for the law and democracy.

He added that this policy is permanent and includes support for people fighting for decolonization.

On the other hand, Minister of Foreign Trade Roberto Sanchez accused the opposition of obstructing the foreign policy of the government, whose management rests with the President of the Republic, according to the constitution.

Last August, the Congress of the Republic refused to allow Castillo to travel to Colombia for the inauguration of President Gustavo Petro, which led to expressions of concern on the part of regional governments of various faiths.

Later, in September, the legislature allowed the president’s trip to New York to participate in the General Assembly of the United Nations, although the opposition attacked him for his solidarity with the Sahrawi Republic and the issue of Argentine sovereignty over the Falkland Islands.

There were also expressions of opposition dissatisfaction with Castillo’s rejection at the United Nations of coups of any kind, including those of one sector of government against another, which the opposition took as a reference to their efforts to remove Castillo using legitimacy by coercing or modifying it. for that goal. (Line:PL)