12:43 | Lima, Dec. 10 (ANDINA).
Peru’s President Alan Garcia said the purchase of tanks from China is right and does not contradict Peru's pacifist wocation.
Peruvian Defense Minister Rafael Rey confirmed Tuesday that the Government is close to a deal to buy tanks from China.
“I consider that it is a reality, that is why, the first 5 tanks were exhibited in the military parade and we have to raise their capacity,” President Garcia told the media.
García stated that thanks to his Chinese counterpart, Hu Jintao, “the Peruvian government could get an important reduction in the downpayment and the installments to be paid.”
These are high-tech tanks purchased to replace Soviet-era T-55 tanks acquired in the 1970s, which are not useful and do not meet current needs any more, he explained.
The Head of State made these statements after the opening ceremony of the expansion works of Camones Textile Plant, located in the district of Puente Piedra (Lima).
(END) GCO/DCR/LVT
Published: 12/10/2009