Peru has recalled its ambassador to Tokyo to protest Japan's intervention in the detention in Chile of disgraced former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori.
Japan Today quoted Minister Jacques Bartra of the Peruvian Embassy in Tokyo as saying that Ambassador Luis Macchiavello had been recalled, not dismissed from his post.
Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Aso said Friday that he "understands that it was not a recalling of the envoy but an announcement of the finishing of his duties."
Macchiavello was assigned to Tokyo after Fujimori fled to Japan to escape a corruption scandal that ended his 10 years as Peru's head of state. The envoy's top mission had reportedly been to arrange the extradition of Fujimori to Peru.
Japan refused for five years to turn over Fujimori -- wanted in Lima on charges of corruption and commanding death squads -- on the grounds that he was a Japanese citizen.
Fujimori was arrested Monday in Santiago, Chile, one day after he left Japan, apparently headed for Peru where he intended to campaign again for the presidency.
Peru was displeased that Japanese Embassy staff in Chile requested access to Fujimori and demanded fair treatment for him, the Japan Times said.
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