20
additional powers."
59
Ecuador also imposed a war tax to pay for the costs of the
conflict.
War would be a risky proposition for Ecuador, since Peru is clearly the
stronger country. Its population and military were twice the size of Ecuador's.
60
Ecuador’s defense expenditures were 2.1% of GDP or $386 million compared to
Peru’s 1.6% GDP or $998 million. Peru had won earlier conflicts. Any war
carried to its extreme would likely result in Ecuador's defeat.
Even so, Ecuadorian forces did much better than expected. Ecuador shot
down Peruvian fighters and helicopters and laid landmines to devastating
effect. As reported at the time, "the Ecuadoreans are well-established and
better prepared in the disputed area. Many of their positions are surrounded by
minefields, and deeply entrenched Ecuadoran troops can pick off Peruvian
troops."
61
Peru's troops found themselves at a surprising, though probably
temporary, disadvantage in the area. Ecuador had to be aware that Peru’s
military had suffered from the economic crisis of the country.
62
The Peruvian
military also had a disadvantage in having had focused its attention on internal
foes: the Sendero Luminoso and Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement
(MRTA).
63
59
"Peru and Ecuador Clash Along Disputed Border," New York Times 28 January 1995, 2.
60
James Brooke, "Ecuador Downs a Peruvian Helicopter in Border Clash," New York Times 30
January 1995, A8.
61
Bowen, "Peru Faces Disadvantages," 6.
62
Cooper give details on how few Peruvian aircraft were actually operational, and suggests
that two Peruvian fighters were shot down because their aircraft did not have functioning
radar.
63
The Tupac Amaru took over the Japanese ambassador's residence in Lima in December 1996,
holding initially 500 or more guests hostage, including close relatives of President Fujimori.
They were freed in a commando raid in April.
Convention