Japanese Believe Tunnel Allegations Peru Accused Of Digging Below Ambassador’s Residence

While Peru refuses to discuss whether it was digging a tunnel to free 72 hostages at the Japanese ambassador’s residence in Lima, the Japanese government apparently has concluded the rebel allegation is true.

Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto discussed the allegation with top officials and lawmakers Thursday, a Japanese newspaper reported Friday.

“Somebody who was digging the tunnel happened to go right underneath where the rebels were gathering,” the Yomiuri newspaper quoted Hashimoto as saying.

The report also said Hashimoto wants the Peruvians to be more upfront about steps they are taking to end the hostage crisis.

The rebels canceled talks with the government earlier this month after complaining that authorities were building the tunnel. The government has refused to confirm or deny the allegation.

The Japanese government has been steadfast in calling for a peaceful end to the ordeal.

The Tupac Amaru rebels stormed a cocktail party at the diplomatic residence on Dec. 17. and took more than 500 hostages. They quickly released most of them.

The 72 remaining include diplomats, government officials, businessmen, police officials and the ambassadors of Japan and Bolivia.

The rebels are demanding the government release hundreds of their jailed comrades in exchange for the hostages’ freedom. The government has refused to do so.