Rebel OKs Canadian Role in Talks

LIMA, Peru — Rebel leader Nestor Cerpa Cartolini on Saturday accepted a role for Canada in a commission to mediate the hostage crisis here, but he reiterated that the government still has to address the liberation of his jailed comrades.

In his comments--delivered via two-way radio from inside the Japanese ambassador’s residence, where 73 people remain captive--Cerpa reminded the government that it initially said the proposed commission would be able to address “all issues” raised since the Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement began the siege Dec. 17.

Aside from Canada, which will be represented by its ambassador here, Anthony Vincent, the commission will include Bishop Juan Luis Cipriani and Michel Minnig, the chief delegate of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Cerpa’s recommendation that it include “a European country” has not been addressed.