LIMA (December 7, 1997 Agence France-Presse) - Authorities
have increased security in Lima and around Peru in anticipation
of violence ahead of the first anniversary of rebels'
hostage-taking at the Japanese ambassador's residence, police
said Sunday.
     Fourteen heavily armed Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement
(MRTA) rebels seized the residence and hundreds of guests at a
December 17, 1996 evening reception honoring the birthday of
Japanese Emperor Akihito.
     The 126-day siege ended April 22 when Peruvian troops
stormed the building, killing all 14 guerrillas. One of the 72
remaining hostages and two soldiers died.
     As the date approaches, police and army troops have made
their presence felt around diplomatic missions and prominent
people who could be targeted by the MRTA.
     And the Japanese embassy, in Lima's Jesus Maria
neighborhood, is the focus especially tight vigilance, and
Japanese embassy personnel have been told to limit their
movements or at least change their daily routine, police said.
     Security has also been tightened around Ayacucho Archbishop
Juan Luis Cipriani, a key mediator who sought a peaceful
compromise end the standoff.
     Since the end of the siege, anonymous threats have been
painted on walls in Ayacucho, branding Cipriani a "traitor" and
"collaborator" with intelligence services.
     The new safety measures also include beefing up security
around all of the former hostages, especially former foreign
minister Francisco Tudela, Bolivian Ambassador Jorge Gumucio, and
Peruvian and Japanese business executives.
     Anti-terrorist officials do not rule out armed action by the
MRTA, even though the group's membership shrank sharply after
their 14 comrades were killed.
     Military intelligence sources warn of reports that some MRTA
cells are gathering in the Chanchamayo valley and planning some
kind of "celebration".
     Frecuencia Latina television on Sunday reported that
counterinsurgency troops have uncovered that Salvadoran nationals
entered Peru illegally and have begun to train MRTA members.
Authorities did not comment on the report.
     Bolivian Government Minister Guido Nayar met with police and
intelligence service authorities during a visit here last week.
Police sources say the two sides agreed to reinforce security on
their common border. MRTA rebels used to seek refuge in Bolivia.
     The old white-pillared embassy residence in Lima's San
Isidro district was destroyed in October to make way for a park.

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