Indian leader ask for end to protests in Peru

LIMA, Peru (AP) — A top Indian leader has called off anti-government protests in Peru's Amazon after Congress revoked two decrees that indigenous groups believe would spur oil and gas development on their lands.

The vice president of the Amazon Indian confederation, Daysi Zapata, asked members to lift blockades of jungle rivers and roads set up beginning in April.

The protests turned bloody on June 5 when authorities broke up a road blockade. Twenty-three police were killed and, by Indian count, at least 30 civilians died.

Zapata made the announcement after lawmakers voted 82 to 14 to revoke the decrees.

The Indians have opposed 11 pro-investment decrees enacted by President Alan Garcia so a free trade agreement with the U.S. could take effect.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

LIMA, Peru (AP) — Peru's Congress on Thursday revoked two key decrees that had sparked deadly protests by Amazon Indians opposed to development on their lands, a vote hailed as a victory for indigenous groups.

After five hours of debate, lawmakers voted 82-14 to strike down the decrees, which indigenous groups said would speed the sale of their lands for oil and gas projects. President Alan Garcia had argued the decrees — designed to facilitate investment in the Amazon — were needed to help Peru develop.

The long-running protests by Amazon groups erupted in bloodshed on June 5 when police tried to break up a road blockade manned by Indian protesters. The government says 23 police and 10 civilians were killed, with one police officer missing. Indian leaders say dozens more civilians died.

"The lesson for the government is that before imposing decrees it should consult so that the historical tragedy that happened in the city of Bagua is never repeated," said opposition congresswoman Marisol Espinoza of the Nationalist Party. The jungle city of Bagua is where the violence took place.

Following the violent clashes, Peru's government said it would ask Congress to revoke the decrees, meaning Thursday's vote result had been expected. On Wednesday, Garcia apologized to Indians for not consulting prior to issuing the decrees.

The violence has had major political ramifications in Peru, with Cabinet chief Yehude Simon saying he will resign after settling the dispute and protest leader Alberto Pizango being granted political asylum in Nicaragua.




by the associated press