Peru accuses Venezuela of election meddling

LIMA, May 30 (UPI) -- Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo has accused his Venezuelan counterpart, Hugo Chavez, of meddling in Peruvian politics.

Toledo blasted Chavez for backing left-wing candidate Ollanta Humala in the upcoming presidential elections over former Peruvian leader Alan Garcia, El Comercio reported Tuesday.

Leaders in Lima and Caracas have engaged in an ongoing diplomatic row over Chavez's outspoken support of Humala.

Peru earlier this month pulled its ambassador from Venezuela. Chavez in turn ordered the withdrawal of Venezuela's mission head from Lima and threatened to sever diplomatic ties with Peru if Garcia wins.