CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT ON
THE TERRORIST ACT PERPETRATED AT THE
JAPANESE AMBASSADOR'S RESIDENCE IN LIMA, PERU

15 February 1997

The participants in the ASEM Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Singapore on 15 February 1997 considered the taking of hostages at the Japanese Embassy in Lima, Peru.

1. They strongly condemned the criminal act perpetrated by the terrorist group at the residence of the Ambassador of Japan in Lima. They felt that no objective or motivation can justify the resort to such means.
2. They demanded the immediate release of all hostages without exception and reaffirmed their determination not to give in to the terrorism.
3. They expressed their solidarity with the Governments of Peru and Japan and supported the efforts of both Governments to resolve the situation in a peaceful manner, with the priority of saving the lives of all hostages.
4. They welcomed the commencement of preliminary dialogues between the interlocutor of the Peruvian Government and the representatives of the MRTA group.
5. They resolved to strengthen their efforts, in full cooperation with other members of the international community, in condemning and combating all forms of terrorism.