Peruvian president: Russian-Venezuelan exercises are not needed
"There is not need to be against the rich in order to work for the poor," said Alan García
Western Hemisphere
Russian-Venezuelan naval exercises in the Caribbean are "I would dare say, an unnecessary show-off," said on Thursday Peruvian President Alan García.
During a meeting with foreign reporters in Lima, García attributed the exercises to "some people who like to hobnob with big fishes," apparently in reference to Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, DPA reported.
The Peruvian ruler conceded that some superpowers, such as China and Russia, were expected to have a higher profile in Latin America. In his opinion, the foreign policy of US President-elect Barack Obama will possibly make room for it.
"I can take the place you are leaving," was his rationale to illustrate the issue.
García, regarded as an ally with Washington, met with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev last Monday in Lima, and clarified that the appearance in the hemisphere of other superpowers is positive in economic and trade terms.
"There is not need to be against the rich in order to work for the poor. I have left behind this easy concept," he added.
