stated on Tuesday that in the fight against crime he will not “hesitate” to restore peace in Peru.
"That is why, in the fight against crime, whenever our Army is called upon, we continue—and will continue—to remain on the offensive. We will give no truce to crime. We will neither retreat nor surrender(…) and we will never hesitate to take whatever measures are necessary when the tranquility and safety that all Peruvians deserve are at stake," he said during the ceremony marking the 201st Anniversary of the Battle of Ayacucho and Peru's Army Day.
The event —held at the Army Headquarters in Lima's San Borja district— was also attended by Prime Minister Ernesto Alvarez, other Cabinet members, Congress Chairman Fernando Rospigliosi, as well as military commanders.
The Head of State expressed unconditional support for the Army in its path toward modernization, so that —he said— it "continues to fulfill its mission with honor for 34 million Peruvians."
"Our fight, our commitment is one: to return Peru to the path of greatness, and there is only one way to achieve it—working tirelessly and in unity, as we have done since the very first day we entered the Government Palace," he stated.
A clear path
At another point, the President of the Republic stated that he will leave a "clear path" for our country to move toward progress.
"With the strength of our history, through work and decisive actions, we will clear the path so that our country's route to progress is one-way—the path that allows us to become a first-world nation. Therefore, we have the commitment of our Army, with its glorious history and the hardships that forged our national character," he expressed.
The top official indicated that this anniversary (of the Battle of Ayacucho and Army Day) and those to come will serve to reaffirm the commitment to defending our homeland and to building "the Peru we must become."
"We must all be committed, with our differences and varying positions, but in the end, we are all one. We are the country, we are Peru, and we must work toward that goal," he pointed out.
Earlier, Army Commander General Cesar Briceño stated that Peru needs an Army that upholds internal stability, "deters when necessary" and "fights when duty demands it."
The top official also reaffirmed that the Army maintains its firm commitment to sovereignty, territorial integrity, and internal stability.
"We are a disciplined institution that respects the Constitution and people's fundamental rights," he said.
The ceremony was attended by Judiciary Chairman Janet Tello, Congress members, ambassadors, and military commanders as well.