Peru ministers quit over stalled $3.5B F-16 fighter jet deal
Peru's foreign and defense ministers resigned on Wednesday in protest of interim President Jose Maria Balcazar's decision to stall a $3.5 billion deal for 24 US F-16 fighter jets. Balcazar said he would leave the final agreement to the winner of June's presidential run-off. Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela told RPP radio he resigned because Balcazar's decision endangers Peru and undermines its credibility, claiming contracts were already signed. Defense Minister Carlos Diaz cited similar reasons, stating the purchase was for national security. The US ambassador to Peru, Bernardo Navarro, issued a warning last week widely linked to the deal.
Key facts
- Peru's foreign and defense ministers resigned on Wednesday.
- Resignation was over stalled $3.5 billion deal for 24 US F-16 fighter jets.
- Interim President Jose Maria Balcazar postponed the purchase.
- Balcazar will leave final agreement to winner of June presidential run-off.
- Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela said decision endangers Peru and undermines credibility.
- De Zela claimed contracts for F-16s were already signed.
- Defense Minister Carlos Diaz said purchase was for national security.
- US ambassador Bernardo Navarro issued a warning last week related to the deal.
Entities
Institutions
- RPP radio
Locations
- Peru
- United States