Pubdate: Mon, 07 May 2001
Source: Agence France-Presses
Copyright: 2001 AFP
Website: http://www.toledoblade.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1128

PASTRANA MEETS PERUVIAN PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFULS

LIMA, Peru -- Colombian President Andres Pastrana on Monday met with 
Peruvian presidential hopeful Alejandro Toledo, as part of a three-day 
official visit here aimed at strengthening political and commercial ties 
between the neighboring Latin American nations.

The two spoke for 50 minutes on the struggle against illegal drug 
trafficking, terrorism and trade at Pastrana's hotel El Olivar, located in 
the capital's affluent San Isidro neighborhood.

Toledo arrived at the meeting accompanied by his wife Eliane Karp and 
members of his campaign team.

Pastrana is due to meet with Toledo's opponent for the presidency, Alan 
Garcia, on Tuesday, before his scheduled 1200 GMT departure back to Colombia.

Earlier in the day, the Colombian leaders met with Peruvian interim 
President Valentin Paniagua, while their respective foreign ministers 
signed agreements designed to spur bilateral trade and investment.

Pastrana also took the opportunity to visit the headquarters of the 
Community of Andean Nations, where he underlined the importance of the 
five-nation trade group in the regional fight against the illegal arms and 
narcotics trades.

Pastrana was accompanied on his three-day official visit here by Colombia's 
Foreign Minister Guillermo Fernandez de Soto, Development Minister Augusto 
Ramirez, military chief General Fernando Tapias, Proexport director Angela 
Orozco and his wife Nohora Puyana.
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MAP posted-by: Beth