Andina

President Kuczynski: Vizcarra will remain Vice-President of Peru

LIMA,PERÚ-FEBRERO 07. Vicepresidente y titular del MTC, Martín Vizcarra, participa en foro Banda ancha, TIC y redes de fibra óptica: oportunidades y desafíos. Foto: ANDINA/Norman Córdova

11:11 | Quito (Ecuador), May. 24.

Peru's President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski claimed Martin Vizcarra will continue to serve as First Vice-President of the Republic and rejected opposition lawmakers' request that the former minister resigns his vice-presidency position.

"I do not accept such request. Martin Vizcarra was elected alongside me and Mercedes Araoz, who was chosen as Second Vice-President, and he will remain in that position until the day I die," Mr. Kuczynski stated after attending the ceremony that saw the keys of Quito city handed over to him.

Martin Vizcarra stepped down as Transport and Communications Minister on Monday morning following questionings regarding Chinchero International Airport Project.

At another time, the Peruvian leader confirmed the Government works to move forward with said project in Cusco.

"We are trying to build a new international airport, which has drawn some criticism over the past years; we tried to make adjustments to a tender launched three years ago, and this has evoked some criticism from the Comptroller's Office," he was quoted as saying.

"We have to build in Peru. Cusco needs a good airport, and we are going to support it […]," the top official continued.


Mr. Kuczynski referred to Peru-Ecuador relations, saying they are excellent and will remain so in the future. 

"Trade ties can be improved and stronger. Certainly, I think a business exchange chamber would be a very good thing," he told the press.

(END) JCR/SMA/RMB/MVB

Published: 5/24/2017