¡¡LIMA, July 25 (Xinhuanet) -- Ecuador's ousted President Lucio Gutierrez, sought by justice in his country, is staying in northern Peru, a radio station reported here Monday.

    The report said the ex-president and his brother Gilmer Gutierrez have been in the Peruvian resort of Punta Sal since Saturday, when the former leader briefly entered Ecuador. The tourist resort is located in the Peruvian department of Tumbes, onthe border with Ecuador.

    Peruvian police and migration authorities said the presence of Gutierrez in their country is legal, as there is neither an extradition demand nor an international arrest warrant for him.

    However, reports from Ecuador say an arrest warrant has been ordered for the ex-president and other members of the government, for presumed acts of corruption.

    The reports said Gutierrez's presence in Peru could lead to an investigation.

    Gutierrez was removed from office by the country's congress on April 20 for "dereliction of duty" amid violent protests in the capital, which left two people dead.

    The ousted president, who was replaced by Vice President Alfredo Palacio, first sought asylum in Brazil and then went to the United States.

    In an interview with an Ecuadorian TV station on Saturday, Gutierrez said he entered his country but had to leave at once to avoid being captured. Enditem