Talks on Peru Crisis Are Stalled, Mediators Say

Admitting defeat on “certain issues,” neutral negotiators reported a deadlock Thursday in talks on Peru’s hostage crisis and planned separate meetings with rebels and government officials.

The negotiators did not give details, but the main sticking point almost certainly was the rebels’ demand that hundreds of their jailed comrades be freed in exchange for the 72 remaining hostages.

It has been nearly three months since about 20 Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement rebels raided the Japanese ambassador’s residence during a gala reception Dec. 17, seizing nearly 500 guests. After gradually releasing most of their captives, the rebels have not released a hostage since Jan. 26.

Tupac Amaru leader Nestor Cerpa Cartolini canceled talks with government officials last week after complaining that the government was trying to tunnel under the residence.

Meanwhile, police reported finding a nearly completed tunnel being dug from a jail in which many younger suspected Tupac Amaru members are confined. The tunnel, about 40 yards long, one yard high and one yard wide, was found late Wednesday afternoon.

Police said a massive escape apparently had been planned for the predawn hours of Saturday, or even as early as Wednesday night during an important soccer game that was likely to capture police attention.

Police said they discovered the tunnel after people heard noises beneath the street at night and a small pothole appeared near where the prisoners planned to surface.