Peru president had son in affair

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The President of Peru, Alan Garcia, has admitted he has a one-year-old son from an extra-marital relationship.

Mr Garcia told national television he had a relationship with the boy's mother last year while he was briefly separated from his wife, Pilar Nores.

In a brief announcement, he said he wanted to end speculation that he had a son from an extra-marital affair.

He told reporters that the boy, Federico, had his full support and would carry his name.

He said he had a relationship with the boy's mother, economist Roxana Cheesman, while briefly separated from his wife last year.

Mr Garcia's wife appeared alongside him and he said it was because of her support that he was able to make the announcement.

He said she had demonstrated to him and the country that she justified her position as First Lady.

Child identified

President Garcia said the doors of his home were open to the boy and he had all the rights that pertained to him as one of the president's children.

Mr Garcia's admission confirmed the rumour which had been in media circles for some weeks.

The boy, Mr Garcia's sixth child, was identified by a well-known newspaper columnist at the end of last week.

Mr Garcia said his position as president meant that Peruvians had the right to know all aspects of his life.

Media watchers in Peru say the timing of the admission is unlikely to affect the president's popularity.