Aug. 6, 2002

TOKYO - The daughter of former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori intends to stay in Peru to preserve her family's place in history, she told a major Japanese daily in an exclusive interview published Tuesday.

The comments come amid swirling speculation that Fujimori, who now lives in self-imposed exile in Japan, is plotting a political comeback either here or in Peru.

"If I leave Peru, the Fujimori legacy will disappear," Keiko Sofia Fujimori, Alberto's eldest daughter, told the Yomiuri Shimbun when asked why she postponed plans to study in the United States.

Peru's former first lady — appointed during her parents' messy divorce — said she chats regularly with her father over the Internet. According to the report, many Peruvians have told her they are awaiting her father's quick return.

Speculation about the disgraced politician was reignited recently when his former press adviser said he would open an office in Peru to promote Fujimori's political return.

The approval rating of current Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo has dropped to record lows. Toledo took office shortly after Fujimori fled to Japan amid a corruption scandal.

Keiko declined to comment on her father's political intentions, saying only: "Although my father is stubborn, he deserves a lot of respect as a father and as a man."

Keiko — who has visited her father twice in Japan — said they chat about their daily routines and joke about who is going to get married first.

A Japanese magazine reported last week that her father has fallen in love with a Tokyo hotel executive whom he intends to marry.

Fujimori could not be reached for comment.

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