Fujimori defends claim to third term as Peru's president

LIMA, Peru (AP) -- Facing international pressure after his lopsided re-election victory, President Alberto Fujimori went on national television to defend his claim to a third term in office.

Without identifying to whom he was referring, Fujimori said in the appearance late Monday that there had been a campaign to ''satanize'' the electoral process and to ''misinform and disorient the citizenry.''

He reiterated that the election was fair and said he hoped he would not disappoint Peruvians ''in initiating a more authentic democracy'' in his next five years in power.

The presidential message came one day after a runoff election that was boycotted by challenger Alejandro Toledo, marred by clashes between demonstrators and police, and abandoned by independent monitors.