Peru's vice president resigns amid institutional crisis

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

ANKARA (AA) - Peruvian Vice President Mercedes Araoz has resigned, putting an end to rumors that she had initially accepted the interim presidency.

"The fundamental reason for my resignation is that the constitutional order has been broken in Peru," Araoz announced her leave on Twitter late Tuesday.

Her resignation came after President Martin Vizcarra dissolved Congress on Monday, a move the opposition calls a "coup".

In response, the opposition lawmakers voted to suspend Vizcarra and nominated Araoz as the head of state.

The army in Peru on same day announced support for Vizcarra who signed an executive order dissolving the opposition-run Congress.

The Constitutional Court should decide over the legality of the president's decision to dissolve Congress, said Araoz, citing an earlier statement of the Organization of American States.

"Throughout my life and public career I have always preferred to defend my principles and legality rather than my personal interests or my popularity as a politician.

The vice president showed dialogue and consensus as "the best ways" to achieve the development of Peru and thanked Peruvian people for giving her the chance to serve as a public official -- minister of state, congresswoman and vice president -- in the last 20 years.

"I deeply wish that our country overcomes this serious institutional crisis, for the good of all Peruvians, especially the less favored, who are the most affected by the irresponsibility of politicians," Araoz concluded.