PERU-BOLIVIA/PACIFIC Peru returns remains of two Bolivian soldiers who fought during War of the Pacific

Record ID: 143717

  • Title: PERU-BOLIVIA/PACIFIC Peru returns remains of two Bolivian soldiers who fought during War of the Pacific
  • Date: 17th August 2015
  • Summary: BOLIVIAN SOLDIERS DRESSED IN PERIOD UNIFORMS CARRYING CASKETS INSIDE PLANE HEADED TO BOLIVIA
  • Embargoed: 1st September 2015 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Peru
  • Country: Peru
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVAEXVV6ZU5EUOVLWXZAUZFPKXVB
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: The remains of two Bolivian soldiers who were killed during the 1880s War of the Pacific were honoured posthumously in a solemn ceremony in Lima, Peru before being repatriated on Monday (August 17).
    Bolivian soldiers, dressed in uniforms worn by troops during the War of the Pacific, carried the coffins draped in Bolivia's flag.
    The men were awarded the posthumous Mariscal Andres Avelino Caceres Medal of Honour at a ceremony attended by heads of the Bolivian and Peruvian armed forces.
    The two bodies were found in Peru in 2008. According to Peru's Culture Ministry, the department which conducted the research, the bodies were practically mummified because of the area's geographical conditions. They were identified as a Bolivian officer and a soldier who belonged to the Sucre Second Infantry Regiment.
    Bolivian Defence Minister Reymi Ferreira said the repatriation was a historic event and it was a patriotic duty to honour the fallen soldiers.
    "It's very emotional for us," he said. "They're the first soldiers, the first time remains of soldiers who died in the War of the Pacific return to Bolivia. For us, it's very emotional but, besides, it's an obligation of the Bolivian people to give them the honour they deserve."
    The men died during the Battle of Tacna where authorities said they belonged to the 470-men Sucre Regiment of which 200 soldiers died and 150 were injured.
    According to local media, the soldiers took up arms in Inti Orko, located near Tacna, against Chilean troops on May 26, 1880. At the time of their death, they wore a yellow jacket with red sleeves and collar, as well as buttons with the coat of Bolivia and white pants with a folded edge at the bottom.
    In the pockets of both soldiers were coca leaves, Remington rifle bullets, a bottle of cognac, cigarettes and a container used to hold lime, which is used to chew coca.
    The 1879-1883 War of the Pacific was a conflict involving Chile, Bolivia, and Peru, and ended in Chile annexing a vast northern expanse of land from both Peru and Bolivia and leaving Bolivia landlocked.
    To date, Bolivia disputes the territorial boundaries established by that war and a 1904 treaty.
    Bolivian Foreign Minister David Choquehuanca refused to comment on the boundary dispute, saying the event should remain untarnished, as a memorial to the fallen soldiers.
    "This is an historic act. You have seen how emotional this is for both peoples. There's no reason to stain this with other intentions (talk about Bolivia's claim to the sea). History tells us we are brother nations," he said.
    Peru's Foreign Ministry said in a news release, the remains were returned as part of the traditional ties of friendship between the two countries, their respective armed forces and the shared purpose of strengthening bilateral cooperation that both governments have prioritized.
    Once in Bolivia, President Evo Morales is expected to receive the remains during another military ceremony held in Sucre, where they soldiers will be presented with military honours.
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