Peruvian President Alan García, who had been at odds in the past with his Venezuelan counterpart Hugo Chávez, dismissed Monday a press article, according to which the Venezuelan aid for the earthquake in Peru had been used as political propaganda.

"I do not think that Chávez is making propaganda, because he is not a candidate here in this country. We wonder who is delivering these cans, as it is in bad taste. It is like if I were walking with a star of the Aprista Party" across the region struck by the earthquake, said García, as quoted by AP.

"It is not time to engage in electioneering; it is not time to capitalize on the circumstances for electioneering. The aid should be provided with no letterheads or labels, without expecting indulgence based on the human tragedy."

According to Peruvian daily newspaper Expreso, the canned tuna sent as part of the Venezuelan aid and delivered by followers of Peruvian ex presidential candidate Ollanta Humala holds a label which reads: "In the face of plundering, blockade, despair and chaos, solidarity with our fellow countrymen."

Venezuelan ambassador to Lima José Armando Laguna rebuffed the version. "If you want, go ahead and open all the bags brought and check on site. You will see no political propaganda at all."