Peru's Humala says backs investigation of VP

Peru's President Ollanta Humala broke his silence surrounding the first political crisis of his government on Thursday, saying he backed investigations into alleged corruption by Vice President Omar Chehade.

But the popular leftist leader, who took office in July promising to fight endemic corruption, said he would wait for results from public prosecutors before taking any action.

"We will respect the outcome of investigations and everyone will assume responsibility," Humala said on national television.

Chehade, one of Humala's two vice presidents, is accused of asking a police general to help his brother evict workers from a cooperative sugar plantation to help a company that has been trying to take over the farm.

Chehade maintains he asked for no favors and does not plan to resign.

Police General Guillermo Arteta says he was dismissed for refusing to carry out Chehade's alleged request during a broad purge of senior police generals last week.

Prominent members of Humala's Gana Peru party said on Wednesday they supported investigations launched by the attorney general and Congress.

"You have my full assurance that we will not accept any kind of irregularities," said Humala, who has a 62 percent approval rating.