LIMA, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Luis Arroyo, Peru's former defense minister, was sworn in on Tuesday as the country's prime minister, a position formally known as president of the Council of Ministers.

Arroyo took office at the Government Palace during a ceremony presided over by Peruvian President Jose Balcazar, after serving as defense minister for 21 days.

He replaces Denisse Miralles, who resigned earlier in the day. ■