LIMA, Peru (AP):

Peru asked the World Court yesterday to set its sea boundary through waters claimed by Chile, inflaming a diplomatic dispute with its neighbour.

Peru's action, filed before the court at The Hague in the Netherlands, drew an immediate denunciation from Chilean Foreign Minister Alejandro Foxley, who said the areas claimed by Peru ''are unquestionably under Chilean sovereignty and jurisdiction.''

Allan Wagner, Peru's representative before the World Court, told the radio station Radioprogramas that the documents had been filed, but declined to offer details. Officials at the court had no immediate report on the filing.

Peru contends its maritime border with Chile has not been defined, while Chile insists the border was set by treaties with Peru in 1952 and 1954. Peru argues the agreements dealt with fishing rights, not border limitations.

Peru argues that the sea boundary should run at an angle perpendicular to the coast rather than east-west.