Peru congressman challenges vice president to gun duel

A Peruvian congressman who was insulted by a colleague wants to settle the row with a pistol duel.

Independent legislator Eittel Ramos has accused Peru's second vice president of calling him a coward for criticising comments by first lady Eliane Karp about political parties.

He says he is challenging David Waisman to a duel at Conchan beach.

An aide to Ramos has confirmed the challenge. He says Waisman was quoted in local newspaper Ojo making the remarks.

Waisman was unavailable for comment, but a spokeswoman denies he called Ramos a coward.

Ramos says Waisman's defence of Karp reminded him of the Middle Ages when men made themselves "champion of a lady."

Karp has caused controversy for a Peruvian first lady. She provoked the ire of many politicians two weeks ago when she made derogatory comments about traditional political parties and accused them of trying to undermine her husband, Alejandro Toledo.