Peru's military give Fujimori their backing

The armed forces in Peru have sworn allegiance to the president, Alberto Fujimori, whose recent re-election has been surrounded by controversy.

At a ceremony in the capital, Lima, the armed forces chief General Jose Villanueva said his members were ready to defend the legitimately-elected government and prevent any threat to Peru's internal stability.

Correspondents say the timing of the ceremony -- several weeks before Mr Fujimori is even sworn in -- is highly unusual, and is a clear signal that he has the military's full backing.

Afterwards, in a joint statement, eleven opposition parties denounced what they said was a coup, accusing Mr Fujimori and his backers of remaining in power by fraud. Mr Fujimori has rejected the allegations, saying his election was free and fair.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service