    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [May 26, 2000]
    [Page 1042]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Upcoming Elections in Peru
    May 26, 2000

        I deeply regret the decision by the Peruvian electoral authorities
    to proceed with the elections this coming Sunday in spite of the well-
    documented concerns of the OAS observer mission. Even a relatively brief
    delay would give the OAS mission an opportunity to monitor the electoral
    process with greater confidence.
        As things stand, the OAS mission will not monitor Sunday's vote. I
    believe that is the correct decision under the circumstances.
        Free, fair, and open elections are the foundation of a democratic
    society. Without them, our relationship with Peru inevitably will be
    affected.
        We are consulting with our partners in the hemisphere and the
    international community to determine appropriate next steps.