President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski said the Peruvian Navy training ship BAP Union, which returned after a three-month journey along different countries, is an effort of Peru in the diplomatic arena and defense.
The vessel, he said, was built in Peru and is the largest of its kind in Latin America.
"This is an effort of Peru not only in defense but in the diplomatic arena. It has been to several places, where admirals and presidents visited it. It docked in Colombia, Panama, Cuba, Miami, Mexico, Balboa," he said.
Mr. Kuczynski got on board in the Miraflores bay and was the first person who came down while in Callao.
"It was wonderful. It was moving slowly. What I liked was the way navy cadets and officers set the sails. This is a 54-meter high mast built in Peru, a good one. They have been abroad for almost three months," he stated.
According to the Peruvian leader, the 22 officers and 93 cadets were eager to return after their long journey that included stops at ports Guayaquil (Ecuador), Cartagena (Colombia), San Juan (Puerto Rico), La Habana (Cuba), Miami (United States), Veracruz (Mexico) and Balboa (Panama).
Barrios Altos massacre
When asked about the 25 years that have passed since the Barrios Altos massacre by the Colina Group, the Head of State assured peace and justice is what Peru needs.
"That was a terrible incident; we are overcoming it little by little as part of the current democratic era, but some discipline is needed and we are working on it," he claimed.
As for his parliamentary group, he said everything was going well, although it might be better, and that they are working together on the matter.
He said PPK legislators gather every week or every two weeks, and believes they should be more careful when making statements. "They should speak less," he said.
(END) FHG/SMA/RMB/MVB
Published: 11/3/2016