Government Refuses to Take Part in Talks

Talks between the government and leftist rebels holding 72 hostages at the Japanese ambassador’s residence in Lima, the capital, were scratched after the government representative announced he would not take part. The three mediators in the talks and Japan’s observer spent about 10 minutes in the residence before leaving to make the announcement. The talks had been set for Friday, but the day before, the rebels canceled them, accusing the government of digging a tunnel into the residence and preparing for an armed assault. There was no immediate explanation for the government’s decision.