Peruvian presidential candidate Roberto Sánchez distanced himself from campaign ally Antauro Humala's statements proposing to recover Arica and Tarapacá by diplomatic or armed means. Sánchez stressed no territorial issues with Chile and will prioritize friendly relations. Humala's remarks drew criticism in Chile.
Antauro Humala, former military officer and ethnocacerist leader, stated in an interview with Perú 21 that Peru must reclaim Tarapacá and Arica 'por la vía diplomática o por la vía armada'. Humala confirmed his organization works with Juntos por el Perú (JP), Sánchez's party, ahead of the June 17 runoff election. Sánchez also proposed him as potential defense minister.
Roberto Sánchez, leading the polls, responded that Humala's statements 'are of his absolute responsibility. They do not represent the position or program of Juntos por el Perú nor mine. Absolutely not'. He noted that after the International Court of Justice ruling on maritime delimitation, no territorial issue exists with Chile, entering 'a relationship of new quality without any territorial claims, marked by a solid will for peace and cooperation'.
Sánchez stated he would maintain 'relations of friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding with the current government of President Kast and all countries in the region'. He added that 'relations of friendship with neighboring countries will be a priority of foreign policy'.
In Chile, Johannes Kaiser, president of the Partido Nacional Libertario, warned 'Chile must be prepared for any eventuality'. Senator Rodolfo Carter urged protecting Chile's strategic superiority. Deputy Catalina del Real saw the remarks as a 'desperate reaction' for electoral gain, highlighting current cooperation on migration and drug trafficking.
