LIMA, PERU (United News International) - Peruvian army commandos ended a tense stand-off yesterday when they stormed the Japanese embassy in central Lima, killing the Tupak Amaru rebels who had occupied the building for the past 170-days.  According to Peruvian President Alberto Aoki, all hostages were released safely, including the Japanese ambassador. 

In Japan, Prime Minister Ryoki -- who was caught unaware of Peru's plan to end the crisis -- thanked President Aoki for taking the gamble.  His praise for Peru's actions were echoed by relatives of the hostages and by Japanese citizens who watched coverage of the raid on television.
