Peru Given Millions As Thanks For Raid

Japan gave Peru $11.5 million in aid Monday as a goodwill gesture for ending the four-month hostage crisis at the Japanese ambassador’s mansion.

The donation will go toward improving medical care for low-income families, upgrading equipment in Lima hospitals and repairing small hydroelectric plants in rural areas.

Acting Foreign Minister Jorge Gonzalez Izquierdo accepted the donation from Katsuyuki Tanaka, Japan’s assistant foreign minister for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Peruvian commandos stormed the ambassador’s residence a week ago, rescuing 71 of 72 hostages held captive by leftist rebels. One hostage, two soldiers and all 14 Tupac Amaru guerrillas died in the raid.