, issued a statement on Wednesday regarding the purchase of F-16 aircraft from the United States.
The document reads as follows:
Statement
The President of the Council of Ministers announces that the procurement process for the acquisition of F-16 aircraft, regardless of the economic and legal matters involved, responds to pre-established commitments related to national defense and requires respect for the presidential office, whose holder is the Supreme Chief of the Armed Forces.
Added to this are the various confrontations and opinions that polarize the country at a time when the General Elections are underway and it faces its own crisis.
As a Peruvian, a military officer, and President of the Council of Ministers (Prime Minister) of the Transitional Government, I bear the immense responsibility of honoring the commitment I made to the Congress of the Republic and to all Peruvians after being granted the vote of confidence.
This mission is a priority because it places the country's interests first.
As I said before Congress: I am a soldier of the homeland, committed to the policy pillars of the government of President Jose Maria Balcazar, who is called upon to guarantee a responsible transition within the framework of law and democratic order that all Peruvians are duty-bound to uphold.
Regarding the acquisition of the F-16 aircraft, it is important to have new equipment and strengthen our Armed Forces.
Therefore, the National Security and Defense Council (Cosedena) agreed to the purchase of those aircraft for the Peruvian Air Force. This decision is strategic in nature, and it is the Executive Branch's duty to comply with and enforce the resolutions issued by this governing body.
Likewise, it is the Executive Branch's responsibility to take action to close inequality gaps affecting millions of Peruvians who await a government response to gain access to health services, water, electricity, etc.
To date, we have been fulfilling all commitments assumed under the schedule established in the sales contract for the F-16 aircraft, which would prevent contractual breaches that could result in costly penalties and harm the image of our country.
With this declaration, I reaffirm my commitment to upholding the Constitution and the laws, democratic stability, as well as national security and defense.