[Onthebarricades] PERU: Indigenous rights protests, mine blockade, general strike

[Andy]

ON THE BARRICADES:  Global Resistance Roundup, April-August 2008
https://lists.resist.ca/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/onthebarricades
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/globalresistance/



*  Peruvian indigenous peoples in the Amazonian region held nearly two weeks 
of protests and blockades over a neoliberal law allowing the sell-off of the 
rainforest.  The campaign ended after Peru's congress reversed the law. 
Previously, the Peruvian state had declared a state of emergency and police 
violence had injured a number of protesters.  21 police were injured when 
protesters stormed the regional centre, Madre de Dios.  Protesters also shut 
down oil production and seized a boat.



*  Demanding a greater share of the revenue from copper production, 
thousands of protesters in the province of Moquegua staged a ten-day 
blockade of a US-owned mine, at one point taking police hostage after they 
were sent to break the blockade.  The issue was resolved with an agreement 
giving more assistance to the region.  The blockade had also cut off Peru's 
southernmost province.



*  In Lima, university students have resisted the building of a road through 
the campus, throwing stones at construction workers and marching on the 
local congressional offices.  The work has compromised university activities 
as one wall of a building has been demolished.



*  In early July, all of Peru was rocked by a general strike accompanied by 
mass protests, focused on the failure of the country's economic boom to 
raise the welfare of the poor.  Government buildings were burned, rail links 
disrupted and police routed.



*  In another incident, protesters targeted buses and bus depots, apparently 
over deaths in crashes.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7573887.stm

Thursday, 21 August 2008 08:19 UK
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Peruvian tribes end land protests
Indigenous Amazonian tribes in Peru have begun lifting armed blockades on 
roads and energy installations after a week-long protest.
Their action was called off after a congressional committee voted to repeal 
two laws which the tribes say make it easier for companies to buy their 
land.
The laws, supported by President Alan Garcia, are aimed at promoting private 
investment in communal territories.
Mr Garcia called the committee's decision a grave mistake.
Peru's congress will now have to vote on the committee's decision, which was 
apparently prompted by the public outcry at the laws.
It is a blow to Mr Garcia's plans for state reform, the BBC's Dan Collyns in 
Lima reports.
A state of emergency had been declared in Peru after thousands of Amazonian 
tribespeople armed with spears, bows and arrows took over main roads, a 
hydroelectric dam, and oil and gas installations in the provinces of Cusco, 
Loreto and Amazonas.
We have faith and expect Congress to follow through
Alberto Pizango
AIDESEP head
The protestors from 65 tribes feared the laws would make it easier for 
investors to buy their energy-rich land in Peru's Amazon basin, parts of 
which are rich in oil and gas.
The legislation was introduced as part of the country's free trade agreement 
with the US.
The tribes are distrustful as companies extracting oil or gas have, in the 
past, brought contamination, which has had an impact on both their 
environment and health, says our correspondent.
'Huge mistake'
"We have lifted the strike," said Alberto Pizango, head of the indigenous 
Amazonian organisation, AIDESEP, after the congressional committee's 
decision.
Mr Garcia said repealing the laws would hold up progress
"We have faith and expect Congress to follow through."
Mr Garcia, who passed the laws earlier this year under special powers 
granted by Congress, said repealing them would be a grave error.
"I am obliged to say to Peru that it would be a huge mistake which would 
hold up change and keep those farming communities in poverty and 
marginalisation for another century," he said in a televised address.
Mr Garcia says bringing investment and industrialisation to Peru's remoter 
areas are the only way to tackle widespread poverty.
But it is clear many people in Peru's Amazon see this as a threat to their 
way of life, says our correspondent.

http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/americas/news/article_1425789.php/Indigenous_protestors_injured_in_clashes_with_police_in_Peru

Indigenous protestors injured in clashes with police in Peru
Americas News
A handout photo provided by Ahora-Amazonas Newspaper shows Peruvian police 
officers chasing a man during clashes with indgenous people in Bagua 
Province, Peru, 20 August 2008. Ten people were injured in the clashes, 
authorities said. EPA/AHORA-AMAZONAS NEWSPAPER
Aug 21, 2008, 4:54 GMT
Lima - At least 10 people where injured in northern Peru when indigenous 
people protesting the exploitation of the Amazon rainforest clashed with 
police.
The violence Wednesday came during the latest of 11 days of protests by 
indigenous groups, which have organized strikes and roadblocks against new 
laws facilitating the sale of land in their traditional settlement areas in 
the Amazon jungle.
Indigenous communities can approve the sale of land with a simple majority 
vote. In the past, a two-thirds majority was necessary.
The protestors said they fear the new rules would facilitate access to the 
rainforest for international companies exploiting raw materials - in 
particular oil, mining and logging companies - and would threaten their 
traditional lifestyles.
President Alan Garcia warned Congress not to overturn the laws, which are 
geared toward attracting foreign investors.
'It would be a historic mistake and would continue the poverty in the 
affected regions,' he said.
However, analysts did not rule out Congress soon scrapping the rule, which 
had been decreed by the government recently.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/feedarticle/7735629

Peru suspends rights in jungle protest regions
· AP foreign
· , Tuesday August 19 2008
By CARLA SALAZAR
Associated Press Writer
LIMA, Peru (AP) - Peru's government declared a state of emergency Monday in 
remote jungle regions where Indian groups are blocking highways and oil and 
gas installations to protest a law that makes it easier to sell their lands.
The 30-day decree published in the official gazette suspends rights to 
public gatherings and free transit in three northern provinces.
It follows nine days of protests by members of 65 Indian tribes and a clash 
Saturday in northern Peru between police and hundreds of spear-carrying 
Indians with painted faces. Lima newspaper El Comercio reported eight 
officers and four protesters were injured.
Environment Minister Antonio Brack said protesters have closed a bridge and 
highway ``and threatened to cut the supply of oil via the oil pipeline and 
gas through the Camisea gas pipeline.''
Alberto Pizango, president of an Indian rights group speaking for the 
protesters, warned the government to be ``very careful'' as it attempts to 
bring order to the affected regions.
The protests began when the Indians blocked an important natural gas 
installation and oil pipeline in northern Peru. The Camisea natural gas 
installation is operated by a consortium led by Pluspetrol Peru Corporation 
SA and including Hunt Oil Company of Peru L.L.C.
The Indians are protesting a law that would let half of those attending a 
community assembly approve the sale of communal lands. Previously, 
two-thirds of the local community, whether they attended a meeting or not, 
had to approve any sale.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7569851.stm

19 August 2008 11:03 UK
Peru moves to end Amazon protests
Peru has declared a state of emergency in jungle areas where indigenous 
groups are blocking oil and gas installations in protest at a new land sale 
law.
The government said violent acts by protesters had put security at risk.
The measure allows the authorities to send in troops and bans public 
gatherings for 30 days.
Some 65 Amazon tribes say the law will make it easier for big energy 
companies to buy up their land, parts of which are known to be rich in oil 
and gas.
The indigenous people have been demonstrating for more than a week at 
hydro-electric dams and oil and gas installations in three different parts 
of Peru's Amazon basin.
They are angry at a law which they say makes it easier for investors to buy 
their land because it lowers the bar for consent from two-thirds of a 
community assembly to a simple majority.
The legislation is one of a number of laws being passed as part of Peru's 
free trade agreement with the US.
"They have mobilised themselves for the right to life, the right to keep 
their territory and to defend the environment - the Amazon rainforest which 
is the lungs of the world," said Alberto Pizango, head of the indigenous 
Amazonian organisation, AIDESEP.
Poverty
Indigenous communities complain that some 70% of Peruvian Amazon territory 
is now leased for oil and gas exploration, putting at risk their own lives 
and the biodiversity of the Amazon.
At the weekend, some 800 demonstrators and police clashed in the province of 
Bagua, leaving several people injured.
Talks between the tribes' representatives and the Environment Minister 
Antonio Brack also fell through.
Mr Brack said there could be no further dialogue until order was 
re-established.
"The state has the obligation to guarantee the right of all Peruvians when 
others violate them so order has to be established - let us be absolutely 
clear on this," Mr Brack said.
The state of emergency bans public gatherings for 30 days and gives the army 
special powers in the provinces of Cusco, Loreto and Amazonas.
For their part, the tribal groups are calling on the Peruvian Congress to 
revoke the land law, saying their protests will end once the government 
displayed a readiness to talk.
The Peruvian rainforest is the biggest stretch of Amazon outside Brazil.
Peruvian President Alan Garcia has said that developing parts of the Amazon 
are part of his investment programme to tackle widespread poverty.
http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2008/07/12/3543774.htm
[July 12, 2008]

Peruvian gov't reaches accord to end Amazon region protests
(EFE Ingles Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Lima, Jul 12 (EFE).- The Peruvian 
government and representatives of the Amazon region of Madre de Dios reached 
an accord to end the violent protests that earlier this week left dozens of 
people injured and destroyed the regional seat of government.

Environment Minister Antonio Brack announced Friday that a special 
commission over which he presided reached an accord with the Madre de Dios 
Federations Alliance.

Brack described the meeting as "fruitful," after which he presented an 
agreement signed by the leaders of a march that on Wednesday left 21 police 
officers injured, 30 protesters under arrest and a regional government 
office in ruins.

According to the announcement, the accords include a government commitment 
not to encroach on lands of native communities with future privatizations.

The Agriculture Ministry also agreed to analyze the judicial status of the 
Amazon forests on the agricultural lands of Madre de Dios.

The Madre de Dios authorities also asked that the region's infrastructure be 
declared in a state of emergency.

On Wednesday, at least 21 police officers were injured during the attack of 
thousands of protesters on the regional seat of government in Madre de Dios.

A spokesperson for the national police told Efe that the mob was protesting 
against the so-called "Law of the Jungle," a proposal that has not yet been 
approved by Congress but has been condemned for supposedly facilitating the 
sale of native community lands and promoting private investment in 
reforestation and agricultural forestry.

During the attack, the forces of law and order threw tear gas and fired 
shots in the air but were overwhelmed by the thousands of demonstrators.

Several Amazon regions protested throughout the week against the "Law of the 
Jungle" and on Wednesday came together in a national strike called by the 
leftist General Confederation of Workers of Peru, or CGTP.

The national strike, which was a failure according to the government and a 
resounding success in the eyes of the CGTP, was carried out to pressure the 
government into increasing pay and repealing several privatizing decrees, 
including those promoting investment in lands occupied by peasant and native 
communities in the Amazon and in areas declared to be historic or cultural 
heritage sites.

Workers also protested against the criminalizing of social protest while 
asking that attention be paid to the "agricultural and social agenda" so 
that workers' rights not be limited, and that government corruption be dealt 
with.

The current district attorney of Madre de Dios, Hugo Concha, said Saturday 
that guilt had been confirmed in the case of 12 natives and two officials 
who had been arrested during the violent protests and were to be jailed in 
the coming hours.

Those in custody include Manuel Calloquispe Flores, president of the 
regional Chamber of Commerce, and Luis Zegarra Kajat, president of the Madre 
de Dios defense front, according to the Web site of the daily El Comercio.

In a bid to discredit the general strike, the government and the ruling APRA 
party sought to link the protests both to the terrorism of the now-defeated 
Shining Path rebels and to statements of disgraced former spy chief 
Vladimiro Montesinos, one of the architects of the rebels' defeat in the 
1990s. EFE

http://globalvoicesonline.org/2008/08/15/peru-amazonian-indigenous-groups-protest-new-governmental-decrees/

Peru: Amazonian Indigenous Groups Protest New Governmental Decrees
Friday, August 15th, 2008 @ 21:26 UTC
by Juan Arellano
International Day of the World's Indigenous People was celebrated on August 
9, but often in Peru these groups have very little to celebrate. The 
Aguaruna Indigenous group in Saramiriza in the Peruvian Amazon has mobilized 
to occupy the Petroleum Station No. 5 of the Northern Peruvian pipeline. 
Coordinadora Nacional de Radio [es] states that the groups are protesting 
that several legislative decrees are a threat to the Amazonian indigenous 
groups and peasant communities, which allows the government more access to 
their lands.
In summary, according to a communiqué from the National Agrarian Community 
[es], the decrees overturn previous laws that required a 2/3 vote from the 
community before the government can develop, purchase or lease communal 
lands. With the new decrees, only 50% is now required. This is causing 
concern for many communities as it will be easier for the government to 
influence some residents, and as a result other communities like 
Poyentimari, Monte Carmelo, Porenkishiari, Koribeni, Shimaá, Puerto Rico, 
Miaria, Nuevo Mundo, Kirigueti, Camisea, Shivankoreni, Segakiato, Cashiriari 
and Timpia are also supporting the protest.

The blog of Ideeleradio - Red Nacional [es] also notes that the indigenous 
groups may radicalize their protest. To date, 63 communities in 11 regions 
have been a part of these protests against these legislative decrees:
"Esperamos que el conflicto tenga un pronto desenlace, pues de lo contrario 
tendremos que radicalizar nuestra protesta. Nosotros no estamos agrediendo, 
estamos reclamando respeto a nuestros derechos. Queremos que nos entiendan y 
nos atiendan", afirmó en tono enérgico el dirigente aguaruna. Informó que 
más de 700 pobladores awajún continúan en los exteriores de la estación 
petrolera N° 5, ubicado a unos 500 metros de la comunidad de Félix Flores en 
el distrito de Manseriche provincia Datem del Marañón.


"We hope that the conflict will have a rapid end, but on the contrary, we 
have to radicalize our protest. We are not attacking, we are calling for 
them to respect our rights. We want them to understand us and attend to us," 
stated the Aguaruna leader in an energetic tone. He also said that more than 
700 members of Awajún group would remain outside the Petroleum Station No. 
5, located approximately 500 meters from the community of Félix Flores in 
the Manseriche District in the Datem del Marañon province.
The joining of forces across indigenous communities is nothing new. In June, 
the blog Por La Amazonia [es] posts about the Aguaruna and Huambisa 
Council's Declaration for the Unity of the Aguaruna and Huambisa 
communities:
El evento se realizó en la Comunidad de Urakusa, provincia de Condorcanqui, 
Región Amazonas y el acuerdo unánime fue dejar atrás las diferencias y 
luchar juntos por sus territorios, la educación bilingüe, la salud 
intercultural, el desarrollo humano, la producción agraria y defender su 
propiedad intelectual. Asimismo suscribieron un pacto para no permitir el 
ingreso de empresas petroleras como Perú Petro y Hoco SAC quienes pretenden 
acceder al lote 116 que recorta la reserva comunal Tunta Nain. El evento 
también se unió al clamor nacional de las comunidades campesinas y nativas 
de todo el país que vienen rechazando el paquete de medidas promulgadas por 
el Ejecutivo y que lesionan los derechos colectivos de los pueblos y 
comunidades indígenas.
The event took place in the community of Urakusa in the province of 
Condorcanqui, Amazon Region and the agreement was unanimous by leaving 
behind their differences and to fight together for their territory, 
bilingual education, intercultural health, human development, agrarian 
production and the defense of intellectual property. In addition, they 
signed an agreement that would not permit the entrance of oil companies such 
as Perú Petro and Hoco SAC who are attempting to gain access to the 116 lot 
that cuts across the Tunta Nain communal reserve. The event also united the 
national clamor of the peasant and native communities from the entire 
country that have been rejecting the package of measures promulgated by the 
government and hurts the collective rights of indigenous peoples and 
communities.
The blog La Pagina de Milanta [es] publishes the statements from a local 
Aguarauna leader Santiago Manuín, who said:
¿Qué daños produciría la petrolera? La deforestación es uno. Si perforan, 
¿dónde van a botar los desechos? ¿Y cómo van a sacar el petróleo de ahí? Van 
a afectar ríos y bosque. Y el impacto social será enorme. Quieren trabajar 
77 años en la zona: siete años de exploración, 30 de explotación petrolera y 
40 de gas. Esa es toda una generación de habitantes.

¿Cuál es el sentir de la población? La selva no va a ser entregada aunque el 
Gobierno lo haya dicho y Sarasara haya firmado un convenio y nos digan perro 
del hortelano. Siempre las petroleras han hecho un daño muy grande a la 
naturaleza y al ser humano. Los indígenas no separamos al hombre de la 
naturaleza. Estamos incrustados uno en otro. El Gobierno está en su palacio; 
nosotros, en nuestra selva. Pensamos diferente. Si nosotros entregamos la 
selva, ¿dónde vamos a vivir? Seríamos mendigos en nuestra tierra.
What damages does the oil company cause? Deforestation is one. If they 
drill, where will they toss the waste? How will they remove the oil from 
there? They are going to affect rivers and forests. The social impact will 
be huge. They want to work 77 years in the area, seven years of exploration, 
30 (years) of petroleum exploitation and 40 for gas. It is an entire 
generation of inhabitants.
What does the population think? The forest will not be handed over even if 
the government said so and if Sarasara had signed an agreement, and they 
calls us the farmer's dog. The oil companies have always caused large 
damages to nature and human beings. The indigenous do not separate 
themselves from the nature. We are linked to each other. The government is 
in its palace; we, in our jungle. We think differently. If we hand over the 
jungle, where will we live? We will be beggars in our own land.
Finally, De La Selva Su Web [es] posts on the wave of protests by the 
indigenous groups near the the petroleum station in the city of Iquitos, and 
which includes photos:
Es increíble que la mayoría de iquiteños veamos con indiferencia los 
problemas de estos compatriotas, cuando son justamente ellos el legado de 
nuestros orígenes. Es injusto dejarlos solos. Como es injusto que el 
gobierno y empresas extranjeras hayan envenenado sus bosques y sus ríos, 
como es injusto que los madereros y caucheros hayan talado sus árboles, como 
es injusto tirarnos el dinero destinado a su salud y educación, como es 
injusto desaparecer sus culturas, como es injusto continuar excluyéndolos de 
los servicios básicos a los que deben acceder los ciudadanos de este país.
It is incredible that the majority of Iquito residents are indifferent 
towards the problems of these countrymen and women, when they are the ones 
that are the legacy of our origens. It is unjust to leave them by 
themselves. It is unjust how the government and foreign companies have 
poisoned their forests and their rivers. It is unjust that the lumber and 
rubber industry have stripped their trees. It is unjust how we waste the 
money that is for their health and education. It is unjust to make their 
cultures disappear. It is unjust to continue to exclude them from basic 
services, which all citizens of the country should be able to access.

http://intercontinentalcry.org/indigenous-peruvians-launch-state-wide-protest/

Indigenous Peruvians Launch State-wide Protest
August 13, 2008 | Leave a Comment | 249 views
Marking the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, on 
Saturday, August 9th, Indigenous Peruvians launched an indefinite, 
state-wide protest against a set of new government policies that threaten 
their collective land rights.
"In the southern Amazonian province of Cusco, hundreds of indigenous 
protesters occupied Lot 56 of the controversial Camisea gas field, forcing 
the company to cease extraction there. Argentine company Pluspetrol, which 
operates the field, evacuated its workers from the site," writes the 
activist group, Root force.
"In Loreto, another southern Amazonian province, 800 indigenous protesters 
occupied an oil-pump, drilling platforms, helicopter port and buildings 
operated by state oil company Petroperu," they continue.
Meanwhile, in the province of Amazonas, thousands took over the Aramango 
hydroelectric plant near Muyo; in Daten del Marañon, 150 gathered at an oil 
pumping station; and several roads were reported to have been blocked 
throughout the country.
Through the Interethnic Association for the Development of the Peruvian 
Amazon (AIDESEP), a national indigenous organization, the protesters are 
demanding negotiations with the President, the Prime Minister, and the head 
of Congress.
According to American Zapatista they want the government to revoke Law #1073 
and the 38 decrees being legislated for the new Free Trade Agreement with 
the United States. The decrees effectively legalize a mass takeover of the 
Amazon, threatening not only their traditional territories but their 
cultures and livelihoods.
They also want the hydrocarbon, natural gas, mining and forestry concessions 
in their territories nullified, and for the government to "re-establish 
[their] inalienable collective rights to [their] territories, as established 
in the Constitution in 1979," to "comply with Convention 169 of the 
International Labour Organisation, and comply with other demands of the 
country's indigenous peoples."
The government says they will not consider negotiating until the protests 
end.
photo courtesy of AIDESEP,

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/8/10/73912/7468/846/565641

This week in Indigenous Peoples' Rights
by American Zapatista
Sun Aug 10, 2008 at 09:21:13 AM PDT
Good Morning Kossacks. This is the first in what I hope to be a weekly 
series. As noted in yesterday's diary by Patriot Daily News Clearinghouse, 
yesterday was World Indigenous Peoples Day.
Today's diary will focus on two urgent situations that happened yesterday. 
One in the Peruvian Amazon, the other in West Papua. Please read on and take 
action.
Peruvian Amazon
The Peruvian Government, in just the last few years, has divided up about 
70% of the Peruvian Amazon into what they call "blocks", and auctioned them 
off to oil companies. About 90% of these blocks overlap indigenous 
territories that have been legally recognized by the government, and almost 
30% of the blocks overlap land in which uncontacted peoples live (peoples 
living in voluntary isolation). This, despite last year's passing of the 
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which 
specifically states:
Article 32
1. Indigenous peoples have the right to determine and develop priorities and 
strategies for the development or use of their lands or territories and 
other resources.
2. States shall consult and cooperate in good faith with the indigenous
peoples concerned through their own representative institutions in order to 
obtain their free and informed consent prior to the approval of any project 
affecting their lands or territories and other resources, particularly in 
connection with the development, utilization or exploitation of mineral, 
water or other resources.
and despite Inter-American Human Rights law, which recognizes the right of 
free, prior and informed consent (FPIC). The Inter-American Commission on 
Human Rights specifically states that FPIC is applicable when a state makes 
a decision
"that will have an impact upon indigenous lands and their communities, such 
as the granting of concessions to exploit the natural resources of 
indigenous territories."
So, yesterday, the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, the 
peoples of the Peruvian Amazon launched an indefinite mass protest. Here are 
some photos:
Latest news from the protest:
- 1,500 Machiguenga people stopped transport on the Urubamba River, and 
non-violently captured a boat transporting petroleum from the company 
Pluspetrol. The boat is still being held by the protesters. All traffic on 
the river is stopped and protests will continue until the government meets 
with indigenous leaders. - 150 indigenous people from the province of Daten 
del Marañon, non-violently gathered at Petro Peru's pumping station #5. The 
military has sent 100 soldiers to the area, but the people say they will not 
move until the government acts on their demands. - Indigenous protesters 
have shut down traffic on the Ucayali River.
The protests will go on indefinitely, until the Peruvian government meets 
the following demands:
1. Revoke Law #1073 and the 38 legislative decrees that put at risk the 
Indigenous Peoples of the Amazon and the campesino communities of the coast 
and sierra.
2. Nullify the hydrocarbon, natural gas, mining and forestry concessions in 
indigenous territories.
3. Re-establish the inalienable collective rights to indigenous territories, 
as established in the Constitution in 1979.
4. Comply with Convention 169 of the International Labour Organisation, and 
comply with other demands of the country's indigenous peoples.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601086&sid=a8FncOTTyiv8&refer=latin_america

Pluspetrol Halts Peruvian Gas Operations on Protests, Efe Says
By Juan Pablo Spinetto
Aug. 12 (Bloomberg) -- Pluspetrol SA suspended part of its natural-gas 
operations in Peru after armed protesters took over facilities in the 
Amazonian region of Cuzco, Efe reported.
Part of Block 56 of the Camisea field remains closed because of 
demonstrations against the government's decision to implement a trade accord 
with the U.S., the Spanish newswire said, citing a statement from the 
company. Protesters also took over an oil station controlled by state energy 
company Petroperu, Efe said.
Pluspetrol is negotiating with the protesters to complete the evacuation of 
its workers in the region, Efe said, citing the statement. The 
demonstrations began Aug. 9, the news agency said.

http://www.azcentral.com/business/articles/2008/06/19/20080619biz-perubrief0619-ON.html

Protesters in Peru reach mine operations deal
by Max Jarman - Jun. 19, 2008 04:42 PM
The Arizona Republic
Peru's government reached an agreement with protesters Thursday, ending a 
weeklong blockade that had cut off supplies to Phoenix-based Southern Copper 
Corp.'s operations.
The company said Wednesday that it would have to temporarily close its 
smelter and two copper mines if the unrest continued. The potential mine 
closure was linked to a rise in copper prices Wednesday.
Protesters were demanding that the government return to the region a greater 
share of the taxes paid by Southern Copper.
At one point club-wielding protesters took police hostage, and the 
government sent ships with food and fuel to replenish supplies. To end the 
protests, local political leaders approved an agreement, which includes more 
economic assistance for the province of province of Moquegua where the mines 
are located.

http://www.livinginperu.com/news/6723

19 June, 2008 [ 18:30 ]
Peru: Moquegua protestors clear roads after riots and 10-day blockade
Living in Peru
Israel J. Ruiz

After regional authorities from Moquegua came to an agreement this morning 
in negotiations led by Prime Minister Jorge del Castillo, protestors began 
clearing Panamericana Highway, ending a 10-day blockade.

On the other hand, Zenon Cuevas, President of the Moquegua Defense Front, 
affirmed that the strike would not officially end until the people of the 
region had been given details on the agreement made with the government.

Protests, which later turned into riots and even developed into a hostage 
situation, began with claims that the distribution of mining royalties was 
not proportional among Peru's southern regions.

Moqueguan authorities, which have been negotiating in Lima for several days, 
returned to the southern region today to give protestors specific 
information on the agreement made with the government.

It was reported that the agreement has eight main points, one of which 
involves more investments in the region's infrastructure.

"We've achieved an important agreement that puts an end to this conflict," 
said Peru's Premier. "Each mayor will go home with at least one project 
under his arm."

http://africa.reuters.com/world/news/usnMOL766240.html

Peru police hostages freed by mine protesters
Tue 17 Jun 2008, 22:56 GMT

By Maria Luisa Palomino and Marco Aquino
LIMA (Reuters) - Peruvian protesters freed 48 police officers from captivity 
on Tuesday but the government was still struggling to end a week-long 
blockade over mining taxes as workers went on a strike at a second copper 
mine.
Residents of Moquegua province have occupied roads, including the main 
highway to Chile, and severed access to the Ilo smelter and Cuajone mine of 
Southern Copper Corp, Peru's top copper producer, to demand that their 
province receive a bigger share of taxes paid by the company.

"All police who were illegally taken hostage have been freed," said Jorge 
del Castillo, President Alan Garcia's chief of staff. He urged protesters to 
negotiate a deal to divvy up mining taxes and call off roadblocks that have 
caused food and fuel shortages.
Hours before protesters were persuaded to release the hostages, union 
workers at the Cuajone mine started a two-day strike for better benefits, 
the latest sign that Garcia is being pressured to spread the wealth from a 
six-year economic boom to labourers and the poor.
Police officers, although armed with tear gas, were overpowered by thousands 
of club-wielding protesters on Monday when they tried to break a blockade at 
a bridge.
The police, some wearing bloody bandages, were then herded into a church and 
surrounded by demonstrators. Twelve of the 60 officers were let go earlier 
on Tuesday to be taken to a hospital, and soon the remaining hostages were 
freed.
"We have taken a step forward in good faith so that the police don't have to 
stay in the church," said Roman Catholic Bishop Marco Antonio Cortez, who 
helped broker the agreement.
The protests started with 5,000 people and have grown to include 20,000 at 
times as Garcia, whose approval rating hovers at 35 percent, faces calls to 
reduce poverty quickly.
Delays could erode support for his free-market programs at a time when 
left-wing parties are eyeing Peru's next presidential election in 2011. The 
poverty rate, while falling, remains near 40 percent.
PROVINCE CUT OFF
The blockade has cut road links to Tacna, Peru's southernmost province, and 
the government has been forced to send tanker ships with gasoline to 
replenish supplies.
Moquegua, more than 700 miles south of the capital, blames the central 
government for allowing Tacna to get a greater share of taxes generated by 
Southern Copper.
Residents in provinces like Moquegua say Peru's economic surge has passed 
them by, even as mining companies reap big profits.
The strike at Southern Copper comes as Peru's third-largest copper pit, 
Cerro Verde, was in its eighth day of a labour walkout, union leader Leoncio 
Amudio said.
The mine's owner, U.S.-based Freeport-McMoRan, has said production remains 
steady and that the government has declared the walkout illegal, meaning 
labourers could eventually lose their jobs if they fail to return to work in 
coming days.
Peru is a leading global exporter of minerals and Alberto Adrianzen, a 
political analyst, said other regions could also protest perceived unfair 
distribution of mining tax revenues.
"This could spread to other provinces," he said. "The government needs to 
overhaul the way it shares mining revenue with the provinces."
(Writing by Terry Wade; Editing by Eric Walsh and Bill Trott)

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/World/Protesters_in_Peru_hold_65_cops_hostage/rssarticleshow/3138969.cms

Protesters in Peru hold 65 cops, general hostage
18 Jun 2008, 0036 hrs IST,AFP
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LIMA: Thousands of protesters demanding a greater share of economic benefits 
from mining operations overwhelmed riot police in southern Peru on Monday 
and took hostage 65 police and a general, mediators said.

Furious residents of Moquegua, a town 1,200km south of Lima, have conducted 
a weeklong road blockade to demand more from an economic boom that has 
enriched mining companies.

In a tense standoff about 20,000 people have converged on a cathedral where 
the hostages were being held.

The violence left about 60 people injured, including 13 - mostly female 
police officers - who were released by the demonstrators, Veronica Paredes, 
of the Peruvian ombudsman's office which is seeking to negotiate an end to 
the violence, said.

She said 65 police were captured in the clashes and were being held in a 
cathedral along with a commanding officer, General Alberto Jordan.

"Right now the hostages are being held in the cathedral in Moquegua and they 
can not leave," Paredes said, adding that an angry mob had gathered outside 
the cathedral.

http://www.livinginperu.com/news/6723

19 June, 2008 [ 18:30 ]
Peru: Moquegua protestors clear roads after riots and 10-day blockade
Living in Peru
Israel J. Ruiz

After regional authorities from Moquegua came to an agreement this morning 
in negotiations led by Prime Minister Jorge del Castillo, protestors began 
clearing Panamericana Highway, ending a 10-day blockade.

On the other hand, Zenon Cuevas, President of the Moquegua Defense Front, 
affirmed that the strike would not officially end until the people of the 
region had been given details on the agreement made with the government.

Protests, which later turned into riots and even developed into a hostage 
situation, began with claims that the distribution of mining royalties was 
not proportional among Peru's southern regions.

Moqueguan authorities, which have been negotiating in Lima for several days, 
returned to the southern region today to give protestors specific 
information on the agreement made with the government.

It was reported that the agreement has eight main points, one of which 
involves more investments in the region's infrastructure.

"We've achieved an important agreement that puts an end to this conflict," 
said Peru's Premier. "Each mayor will go home with at least one project 
under his arm."

http://www.stuff.co.nz/4584217a12.html

Peru sends fuel as mining protests isolate cities
Reuters | Saturday, 14 June 2008

Peru has sent tanker ships carrying food and fuel to its southernmost 
province of Tacna, where thousands of people have been stranded by deepening 
protests over mining taxes in neighbouring Moquegua province.
More than 5,000 residents of Moquegua have blocked roads, including Peru's 
main highway to Chile, and severed access to a mine and smelter of global 
mining company Southern Copper, the country's largest copper producer, 
police said.
Participants in the blockades say their province deserves a bigger share of 
taxes paid by the company, and have repeatedly rejected pleas by President 
Alan Garcia's chief of staff to negotiate an end to the stand-off.
The protests come as Garcia faces mounting pressure to quickly bring the 
benefits of an economic boom to the poor. Delays could erode support for his 
free-market programmes and boost the prospects of a left-wing candidate in 
Peru's next presidential election in 2011.
"We are sending to Tacna, which sadly is isolated and lacking supplies, 
9,000 gallons of gasoline and 50,000 gallons of diesel," said Jorge del 
Castillo, Garcia's chief of staff.
The protesters were not the only Peruvians demanding a bigger slice of an 
economic surge led by high prices for the silver, copper and zinc that Peru 
exports.
A strike at Peru's third-largest copper pit, Cerro Verde, went into its 
fourth day on Friday, and a union leader said company officials would not 
talk to them about a settlement. Freeport-McMoRan, the mine's owner, has 
said production remains steady.
"We are going to radicalise the strike. Starting Saturday, we will block 
access to the mine, so that you can't enter or leave," said union leader 
Leoncio Amudio.
Peru's poverty rate, while falling, is nearly 40 per cent and many say the 
economic boom has passed them by, even as mining companies reap huge 
profits.
Despite the strong economy, Garcia's approval rating stands at only around 
35 per cent and the largest federation of mining unions is threatening to 
shut down Peru's traditional economic engine by going on a nationwide strike 
on June 30 unless a bill to improve labour benefits is approved in Congress.

http://www.livinginperu.com/news/6830

4 July, 2008 [ 10:10 ]
Peru: Lima universtiy students riot & destroy construction work

Living in Peru
Israel J. Ruiz

Claiming their rights are being violated and that it is necessary to 
establish a new contract with the municipality of Lima, students from the 
University of San Marcos continue to protest the construction of a bypass 
next to and on university grounds.

They took to the streets of Lima on Thursday, marching towards the country's 
congressional offices.
Thousands of students marched through the streets of downtown Lima demanding 
authorities cease construction work in and around the university.
Motorists and pedestrians showed their displeasure as the dean of the 
university and his students blocked off some of the capital's main streets.

Protests did not end with the march, however. Students began to destroy what 
constructions workers had built on Thursday evening, making workers angry 
and sparking a battle between the two groups.

At least 15 students were injured as construction workers responded by 
throwing rocks and Peru's national police began firing tear gas.
It was reported that one of the worst injuries was a student that had to 
receive 15 stitches after a rock hit him in the head.

Riots broke out in May as construction workers from the Municipality of Lima 
began working much closer to the university.
They were controlled but began once again early this week when students 
arrived to the university and found that one of their walls had been 
demolished.

The municipality has assured that this was part of a contract signed between 
municipal authorities and the university, explaining that agreements were 
reached months and in some cases years ago.
The municipality has also affirmed a new wall is to be built within 20 days.

The Municipality of Lima has stated that construction work will not stop and 
requested that Peru's national police provide the necessary security.

The University of San Marcos, the oldest officially established university 
in the Americas, agreed to grant the Municipality of Lima 28,000 square 
meters (301,389 square feet) of land for the construction of the new bypass.

http://www.livinginperu.com/news/6814

2 July, 2008 [ 10:45 ]
Peru: San Marcos students riot and seize university offices over new bypass
Living in Peru
Israel J. Ruiz

Students at the University of San Marcos took more extreme measures on 
Tuesday after realizing that the Municipality of Lima was not going to stop 
constructing a bypass and new road next to and on their campus.

Assuring they were shocked and offended that the municipality had demolished 
one of the university's walls to continue construction of a new road, 
students blocked two blocks of Venezuela Avenue and attacked construction 
workers with rocks and sticks.

Furthermore, students raided the university's administrative offices and 
demanded that the university void the contract it had signed with the 
municipality.

Students affirm the destruction of the wall leaves the university 
unprotected and open to criminal acts.

They have also explained that construction work would affect archaeological 
ruins next to the campus.

Municipal authorities claim there are political reasons behind student 
riots, stating that the wall is to be rebuilt in 20 days.

Furthermore, municipal representatives assure a contract was signed between 
district authorities and university representatives several months ago.

A similar riot took place in May, when students went up against Peru's 
national police with rocks and sticks. The country's national police 
responded with tear gas and threw rocks as well.

Riots left several police officers wounded and a group of students detained.

http://www.livinginperu.com/news/6352

9 May, 2008 [ 10:30 ]
Peru: San Marcos University riots not to stop Lima construction work
Living in Peru
Israel J. Ruiz

The mayor of Lima, Luis Castañeda affirmed that the municipality would not 
stop building the bypass at the intersection of Universitaria and Venezuela 
Avenues in Cercado de Lima.

He assured that despite protests, construction would continue, explaining 
that the university had requested the construction of a new road and that an 
agreement had been made between the municipality and San Marcos in 1991.

Castañeda stated he would not be intimidated by vandals and riots, assuring 
that stopping the project would only be giving into disorder and misconduct.

A police vehicle was set on fire and 14 police officers, including a colonel 
and a captain, were injured in the riot which took place in front of the 
university on Thursday afternoon.

Violence began when students attempted to organize an unauthorized march to 
downtown Lima.

As the march was being organized several students attacked construction 
workers, at which time the police intervened.

This only made students angrier and they began throwing rocks. The national 
police responded by throwing rocks as well and firing tear gas.

23 students were detained by police.

http://www.livinginperu.com/news/6866

9 July, 2008 [ 17:45 ]
Riots break out across Peru - Protestors set fire to government building

The head of Peru's national police along with Peru's minister of the 
interior affirmed Tuesday that the entire country's police force would be on 
the streets ensuring Wednesday's national strike did not get out of control.

Just several hours after the strike began; the national police reported that 
100 people found disturbing the peace had been detained.

By Wednesday afternoon, Luis Alva Castro, the country's minister of the 
interior reported that another one hundred had been incarcerated for 
inciting riots and attempting to block roads.

While the country's airports and ports have not been overrun by frustrated 
citizens - protesting everything from Alan Garcia's free trade policies to 
the law of the jungle - dozens of highways have been blocked and a 
government building has been set on fire.

Protestors in Puerto Maldonado, a city in Southeastern Peru located in the 
Madre de Dios region, looted and set fire to offices belonging to the 
governor's office.

Police reported that at approximately noon, vandals broke into the 
government building and set fire to chairs, desks and computers.

It took over 100 police officers to chase away the protestors.

According to local media, protestors were demanding that the governor of 
Madre de Dios support them in their claims.

In Lima, reporters were attacked as they covered an assembly at 2 de Mayo 
Plaza.

Members of the country's largest trade union federation (CGTP) assured that 
reporters were being paid to spread lies about them.

In northern Peru, the Andean country's national police have put out street 
fires in Trujillo and prevented a group of protestors from taking a bridge 
in Tumbes.

Despite their efforts, highways such as Panamericana Sur in Ica have been 
blocked, affecting hundreds of vehicles.

Gerónimo López Sevillano, head of a civic front in Arequipa has affirmed 
that the strike has been peaceful in Peru's "White City".

He explained that citizens were protesting an increase in the cost of staple 
foods, the privatization of ports and airports as well as trade policies 
that "would harm Peruvian agriculture".

http://www.livinginperu.com/news/6854

8 July, 2008 [ 16:15 ]
Peru Rail to halt service until protestors stop riots in Cusco
Living in Peru
Israel J. Ruiz


After a group of unions began protests in the region of Cusco, PeruRail - 
the train company that provides tourists transportation to the town of Machu 
Picchu - decided to suspend its service, said the company's head of public 
relations, Guillermo Román.

It was reported that the company has been providing limited train service 
since Tuesday morning and will completely suspend its service for Wednesday.

Protestors in the region of Cusco have announced they will support on 
Wednesday a nationwide strike that has been organized by the CGTP, the 
country's largest union federation.

Representatives from PeruRail managed to hold off a strike last week after 
coming to an agreement with townspeople in Machu Picchu.

The company agreed to carry out a study to determine exactly what was 
affecting the sale of merchandise in the town.

Townspeople claim that Machu Picchu's tourist influx has not benefited them 
in the least, blaming PeruRail for taking visitors out of the town of Machu 
Picchu before they have a chance to spend time or money in the area.

Peru's national police reported that protestors have already blocked the 
highway from the Sacred Valley to Cusco and from Cusco to Poroy.

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=595082&rss=yes

Peruvian protesters burn govt building
12:42 AEST Thu Jul 10 2008
40 days 16 hours 37 minutes ago
Thousands protest against rising food prices in Peru.

Tens of thousands of union workers have taken to the streets across Peru to 
protest rising food and fuel prices they blame on the free market policies 
of President Alan Garcia.
Nine police officers were wounded after protesters attacked them with sticks 
in the village of Puerto Maldonado in the remote jungle department of Madre 
de Dios, state news agency Andina reported.
Protesters in the same town also set a fire that destroyed a regional 
government office, Cabinet chief Jorge del Castillo told reporters.
Peruvian media estimated that across the country, more than 30,000 members 
of the General Confederation of Workers heeded the call for the national 
strike. In Lima, some 6,000 people filled a central plaza for a noisy 
pot-banging protest.
Authorities did not give crowd estimates. Gen. Octavio Salazar, head of the 
national police, said 216 people were arrested nationwide.
Transportation workers did not strike, but protesters blockaded key roadways 
with rocks. Rail service to the famed Inca citadel Machu Picchu was 
suspended on Tuesday and Wednesday because of safety concerns related to the 
strike, train operator PeruRail said.
Garcia said the protests represented only a small sector of society and did 
not have a major impact.
"The population has shown that it didn't have ... the will to leave the 
country paralysed," he said in a televised address.
Peru's economy has surged since Garcia took office in 2006, with growth 
hitting 9 per cent last year and projected to be 8 per cent in 2008.
But many of Peru's poor - who make up some 40 per cent of the population - 
say they haven't seen any benefits from the boom.

http://www.breakingnews.ie/world/mhgbsnkfmhau/rss2/

Peru: National strike turns ugly as protesters attack police
10/07/2008 - 09:06:53
Tens of thousands of union members took to the streets across Peru to 
protest against rising food and fuel prices they blame on the free market 
policies of President Alan Garcia.

Nine police officers were wounded after protesters attacked them with sticks 
in the village of Puerto Maldonado in the remote jungle department of Madre 
de Dios, state news agency Andina reported.

Protesters in the same town also set a fire that destroyed a regional 
government office, Cabinet chief Jorge del Castillo said.

Peruvian media estimated that across the country, more than 30,000 members 
of the General Confederation of Workers heeded the call for the national 
strike. In Lima, some 6,000 people filled a central plaza for a noisy 
pot-banging protest.

Authorities did not give crowd estimates. General Octavio Salazar, head of 
the national police, said 216 people were arrested nationwide.

Transportation workers did not strike, but protesters blockaded key roadways 
with rocks. Rail service to the famed Inca citadel Machu Picchu was 
suspended on Tuesday and yesterday because of safety concerns related to the 
strike, train operator PeruRail said.

Mr Garcia said the protests represented only a small sector of society and 
did not have a major impact.

"The population has shown that it didn't have ... the will to leave the 
country paralysed," he said in a televised address.

Peru's economy has surged since Mr Garcia took office in 2006, with growth 
hitting 9% last year and projected to be 8% in 2008.

However, many of Peru's poor - who make up some 40% of the population - say 
they have seen no benefits from the boom.

http://www.livinginperu.com/news/6876

10 July, 2008 [ 18:30 ]
Peru police detain protestors that set governor's office on fire
Living in Peru
Israel J. Ruiz

Peruvian national police officers have arrested over thirty people that are 
believed to have been involved in the fire set to a government building 
during riots on Wednesday in the southeastern city of Puerto Maldonado.

Officers from Lima and Cusco were sent to Puerto Maldonado to arrest the 
protestors responsible for setting fire to the governor's office in the 
Madre de Dios region.

According to a correspondent for El Comercio daily, reinforcements from Lima 
and Cusco along with police Colonel Alfonso Chávarri arrived on Thursday to 
Puerto Maldonado.

It was reported that sixteen people belonging to the organization known as 
the Alianza de Federaciones de Madre de Dios were arrested today and 
approximately eighteen yesterday.

According to Antonio Iviche Quique, the president of the FENAMAD federation, 
police arrested union leaders after a shoot out and after beating them.

Affirming that the national police had abused of their authority, Iviche 
Quique stated that two hundred police officers had arrested fifty union 
leaders Thursday afternoon.

Authorities in the region of Madre de Dios reported that almost one dozen of 
the protestors detained are directly responsible for setting fire to the 
governor's office.

http://www.livinginperu.com/news/6963

23 July, 2008 [ 11:00 ]
Peru: Protestors set Soyuz bus and bus station on fire during riot
Living in Peru
Israel J. Ruiz


A group of protestors in Ica, the region south of Lima, attacked workers and 
set a bus and a bus station on fire when a riot broke out during a march 
that had been organized to protest the disappearance and murder of a 
six-year-old girl.

According to Martin Gibbons, marketing chief for Soyuz Bus Company, a mob of 
people stormed into the bus station, which is located in the province of 
Chincha, attacking workers and vandalizing the establishment.

"There is an angry mob that has broken into the terminal, they have broken 
buses, looted the place and beat on company workers. We don't know why," 
said Gibbons.

While the reason for the attack has not been officially announced, it is 
known that a driver for the bus company is being held responsible for the 
death of over 20 people and 60 injuries.

The Soyuz bus driver is blamed for the accident that took place in the Lima 
region when he attempted to pass another vehicle and crashed head on with 
another bus.

During the attack on the Soyuz bus station, it was also reported that a bus 
was set on fire.

The march was begun to demand that the Chincha police chief be fired and to 
push the national police to catch the criminals that kidnapped and murdered 
a six-year-old girl.