Government says latest statements made by Donayre prove Chile's stance is justified

SANTIAGO.- At La Moneda palace early this morning President Bachelet and the ministers of her political committee began analyzing the controversy that has been generated with Perú following anti-Chilean statements that were made by the National Army Commander of the nation, General Edwin Donayre.

Following the Peruvian military chief's statements this weekend that he does not regret what he said, the Chilean Minister of the Presidency, Francisco Vidal, has reiterated that Chile's stance remains the same as it did on Friday and said he was convinced that this new development "proves that we are right".

"General Donayre's statements over the last 24 to 48 hours only serve to further convince us that we are in the right and that our government's stance is reasonable", assured Vidal.

The minister avoided clarifying whether or not the government will call to report the matter to the Chilean ambassador in Lima, Fabio Vío, or whether it will address the matter through other diplomatic channels if Peru refuses to dismiss the general, despite Chile's pleas due to the grave nature of his statements.

"Diplomatically speaking, the actions will not be announced, but from the point of view of the President, who determines our foreign policy, what we said on Friday and what the federal administration expressed on Friday continues to form our stance on the matter", insisted Vidal.