Peru Announces Entry Into Shield of the Americas Security Mechanism

Peru will join the Shield of the Americas security mechanism after President Keiko Fujimori met U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Government Palace in Lima. Fujimori said the mechanism will allow faster information sharing and firmer action against transnational organized crime within the powers granted by Peruvian law and the Constitution. Rubio said it is intended to coordinate participating countries' capabilities rather than enable unilateral U.S. action, and pledged respect for Peru's sovereignty, laws and democratic institutions. Fujimori added that any entry of foreign troops will continue to require special authorization from Congress.