Lima, Peru, Apr 24, 2012 / 15:05 pm
During the 15th anniversary of the rescue of 71 hostages from the Japanese ambassador's residence in Lima, Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani issued a new call for an end to violence in Peru.
“In our prayers we will remember all our brothers and sisters, alive and deceased, who on this day took part in this operation that moved the entire world to rescue the hostages and the Japanese embassy,” said Cardinal Cipriani, who at the time represented the Vatican in the negotiations for peaceful resolution.
“Let us pray that there never be any more violence in our country, that we may be united in this.”
On December 17, 1996, members of the Tuparac Amaru terrorist movement seized control of the Japanese ambassador’s residence, taking some 72 guests hostage. They refused to release them unless the government set free 400 imprisoned members of the movement.