Something Smells Fishy in the Andes

Víctor Ariza: el suboficial de la FAP que espió para Chile ►http://t.co/fGFsdV9wRo pic.twitter.com/eLQBghraWf
— Política El Comercio (@Politica_ECpe) February 19, 2015

Reconciliation between Peru, Chile hits snag as spy scandal over fishing rights erupts

Peru's President Ollanta Humala said on Saturday that he was recalling the Peruvian ambassador from Chile and would not accept "unfriendly acts" from the neighboring Andean country amid suspicions of spying. 

Peru also sent a letter of protest to Santiago following revelations this week that two Peruvian naval officials are being tried and a third investigated for allegedly spying for Chile. 

"We're waiting for an answer from the Chilean government," Humala told reporters on the sidelines of an event.

(Reuters)

A total of three non-commissioned officers of the Peruvian Navy are under investigation for disloyalty and treason following a complaint, according to El Comercio. Initially, two individuals were reported until a third case appeared bringing the total to three. 

Today Peruvian head of state, Ollanta Humala said the situation between Peru and Chile could become “very serious” after finally mending political relations Jan. 28. 

“Should there be a charge of this nature, it would be serious for bilateral relations between Peru and Chile that we have been strengthening, but it can not happen just like that,” he told the media today. 

One of the reported sailors is SOT 3 Alfredo Marino Domínguez Raffo. He has since denied working as a spy, and said he only wanted to make a little extra money. The second sailor is Johnny Richard Philco Borja and the third has so far only been identified by his last name, Gonzales, according to El Comercio.

(Peru This Week)

Chile, Peru’s biggest Latin America trading partner, said it had not been officially notified by Peru of the spying case. If confirmed this revelation could dampen relations between the neighboring countries. In spite of improving diplomatic and commercial ties during recent years the two nations have a historic rivalry which could easily come to the surface. 

In 2014, Peru won a key international ruling against Chile over disputed maritime territory and the two neighboring countries are still involved in a dispute over a land border. 

“If an accusation of this nature turns out to be true, it would be very serious for bilateral relations between Peru and Chile, which we have been strengthening, but this cannot happen just like that.” Peruvian President, Ollanta Humala said. 

Peruvian prosecutors allege that Chilean agents paid the suspects for confidential information about Peruvian navy surveillance on fishing boats. Both countries are major exporters of fish and have previously disputed fishing rights in the Pacific.

(CCTV America)