U.S. Department of State
96/12/23 Statement: Peru: Partial Release of Hostages
Office of the Spokesman



Press Statement by Glyn Davies/Acting Spokesman
December 23, 1996



                   Peru: Partial Release of Hostages



The United States welcomes the release of two hundred and twenty-five 
hostages by the Tupac Amaru terrorists in Lima, Peru last night.  We are 
especially pleased to welcome the release of seven American citizens who 
were among the group permitted to leave the Japanese Ambassador's 
residence. 

Our sense of relief on their release is tempered by the fact that over 
one hundred individuals continue to be held.  We reiterate our call for 
the immediate release of all remaining hostages and our support for the 
Peruvian Government's efforts to resolve this crisis peacefully.