However, she made it clear that the U.S. government cannot make further comments on this issue “because it does not take part in the dispute and does not have first-hand information.”

“Obviously, we hope it will be settled as soon as possible, but I cannot say anything else because we’re not taking part in the dispute,” the ambassador said.

The diplomat also noted that the Obama administration is “committed to protecting Peru’s cultural heritage" and to that end, he recalled that the United States and Peru signed a 1997 agreement which is currently valid until 2012 and is likely to be renewed."

(END) YDM/FPQ/PSY/EEP