Outline of the Letter from
Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto
to President Alberto Fujimori

December 29, 1996
(unofficial translation)

1. We respect the Peruvian President's efforts to achieve a peaceful conclusion to this incident.
2. Thanks to the President's efforts, many of the hostages have been released; 20 additional hostages were freed on December 28 with the start of direct talks between the Peruvian government and the terrorist side. We are gratified at these developments, which prove the appropriateness of the approach the President has taken to this incident.
3. We hope the President will continue to do his utmost to achieve the prompt release of all the hostages.
4. We place our full confidence in the President and will continue to cooperate with the Peruvian government.