Wired: Microsoft’s Big Stick in Peru

Afraid that Peru may adopt a bill decreeing the use of
open-source software in all government systems, Microsoft
apparently enlisted the American ambassador in Lima to help try and
convince the Peruvians to kill the legislation.

“Wired News has obtained a copy of a letter sent by U.S.
Ambassador John Hamilton to the president of the Peruvian Congress,
expressing his dismay at the proposed legislation.

“Congressman Edgar Villanueva, the bill’s chief sponsor, said he
considers Hamilton’s letter to be “overt pressure” on Peru by the
United States and Microsoft. If so, the letter would continue the
long-standing U.S. tradition of meddling in Latin American affairs,
political analysts say.

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