Fujimori Lays Out Exit Strategy

L I M A , Peru, Sept. 20 -- In a flamboyant return to the public eye, President Alberto Fujimori electrified a nighttime crowd of thousands by climbing the towering gate outside the presidentialpalace to show he still has a firm grasp on power.

Fujimori, forced to loosen his 10-year grip on power by abribery scandal engulfing his intelligence chief, announcedSaturday he would deactivate the National Intelligence Service andcall new elections in which he would not be a candidate.

But Fujimori made clear from his perch 15 feet above the thronglate Tuesday that he will be the one to dictate the terms forPeru’s transition to a new government.

“Chino, don’t go! The people are with you,” the supporterschanted, using a nickname that refers to Fujimori’s Asian features.

Gritty Climb to the Top

A son of poor Japanese immigrants, Fujimori stood in a dark suitand tie atop the gate beneath an old-fashioned lamplight, waving tothe crowd, his palms smudged black by his hand-over-hand climb upthe gritty wrought iron.

The dictatorial leader, credited with defeating bloody leftistinsurgencies and ending economic chaos, showed he still hasunusually strong support — despite an internationally criticizedreputation for flouting democratic checks and balances.

“I have a mandate to govern and I will continue governing. Atransition government? There is no way I will permit that,”Fujimori said at a news conference afterward, adding he would stayon until a new government is inaugurated July 28.

Opponent Alejandro Toledo, who pulled out of May’s presidentialrunoff after charging that Fujimori planned to rig the results,insisted the new vote be held within four months and an interimgovernment formed.

Aides said Fujimori’s government wants a general election forthe presidency and congress next March, which will requirelegislative approval. The opposition agreed Tuesday to return tostalled talks on the election process.