Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Chile needs not "offer explanations" for purchase of arms

PRAGUE.- The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mariano Fernández, stated today that Chile has no need to "offer explanations" regarding the purchase of new weaponry, since the nation is currently undergoing a general "technological renovation process" that also includes the Armed Forces.

Upon arriving in Prague, where he is scheduled to participate in a ministry meeting held by nations in the European Union (UE) and River Group, Minister Fernández was questioned about the purchase of F-16 airplanes from Holland and concern that some political sectors of Peru have expressed. "Who are we going to offer explanations to?", the minister responded.

With regards to whether or not he had had the opportunity to speak to his Peruvian counterpart, José Antonio García Belaúnde, Minister Fernández indicated that he had just traveled with him to Prague last night.

Fernández explained that Chile is currently undergoing "a societal technological renovation process" and, as an example, mentioned that the nation has the highest rate of cellular phone and Internet use "in all of Latin America".

The minister went on to say that "the Armed Forces must also advance" and added that all of the purchases or changes that are occurring are part of the "technological renovation".