Lima, March 9 (teleSUR-RHC)-- The Peruvian government announced Saturday that it is withdrawing its ambassador from Chile, accusing the country of military espionage.

The Peruvian foreign ministry also said its ambassador would not return to Santiago until Chilean officials provide an explanation and assurances that such activities would not happen again.

Just last month, Peru said it had evidence that three members of its navy had received money from Chile in exchange for confidential information. Peru is currently prosecuting two non-commissioned officers and investigating a third for allegedly spying for Chile.

Peruvian authorities demanded Chile provide an explanation via a diplomatic note issued to its government on February 20th, but on Monday Peruvian President Ollanta Humala complained that there was still no adequate answer.

The Chilean government has responded, denying the accusations, saying it does not engage in espionage at home or abroad. Chilean Foreign Minister Heraldo Munoz refused to comment on the details of the charges, but did not argue with Peru's decision.

“We respect this decision [to withdraw the ambassador], which is in the sphere of competence of the Peruvian authorities,” he said.

Though relations between the two countries are generally amicable, they do have a long history of border disputes.