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Peruvians See Chile as Natural Enemy
(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in Peru's capital believe a neighbouring nation is a rival, according to a poll by Apoyo published in El Comercio. 57 per cent of respondents in Lima consider Chile and Peru as natural enemies.
Peru claims to have lost access to fishing waters in the Pacific Ocean after an accord signed in the 1950s. In November 2005, the Peruvian Congress approved a law establishing the country's maritime borders. Chile claims the proposed limits go beyond those defined by international treaties.
Peruvian president Alejandro Toledo said Peru would maintain a "firm and serene position" in the dispute with Chile, adding, "We are now entering the realm of strict technical professionalism, and I expect the Foreign Ministry to do its job."
Chilean president Michelle Bachelet referred to the maritime disagreement with Peru last year—when she was running as a candidate in the election—declaring, "Reason is on our side."
Polling Data
Do you consider Chile and Peru as natural enemies?
Yes | 57% |
No | 25% |
Not sure | 18% |
Source: Apoyo / El Comercio
Methodology: Interviews with 522 Peruvian adults in Lima, conducted from Apr. 19 to Apr. 21, 2006. Margin of error is 4 per cent.