Posted on 06/09/2009 5:08:51 PM PDT by Kaslin
Americas: What does Venezuela's Hugo Chavez call a nation that develops peacefully, embraces markets, promotes property rights, pursues free trade and has no use for his revolution? A target. Welcome to Peru.
A major highway had been blocked off for 55 days by some 5,000 indigenous protesters in a tactic identical to that used by radicalized indigenous protesters in Bolivia in recent years.
Roadblocks are basically used to starve inland cities into submission by halting shipments of food, medicine and energy, as well as outbound trade. Police reportedly tried to clear it and a firefight ensued, leaving 24 policemen and nine or more protesters dead.
Media reported the nongovernmental organizations' version of events as one of innocent Peruvian Indians with feather headdresses protesting exploitation by awful Western oil companies. NGOs like AmazonWatch, famous for supporting the harassment of Chevron in Ecuador, egged on protesters and launched a new campaign against Big Oil.
But in fact, this is less about oil than free trade.
This confrontation began because Peru has started to restructure the economy under a 2006 free trade deal with the U.S. Key is a focus on property rights and titling of property, something pioneered by Peruvian economist Hernando de Soto and recognized by most economists as essential for capital formation.
(Excerpt) Read more at ibdeditorials.com ...
Most people probably don’t understand that the tribes are very politicized. Or, at least, their leadership is. They have euro advisors who coach them how best to use their tribal members as shock troops to squeeze the central government and shut off development.
The tribal leadership and their advisors are generally marxists, of course. That shouldn’t be any surprise.
He is no better than Chavez and seems hellbent to catch up to him.
"Meanwhile, Pizango, the Indian leader who has been charged in the massacre, found asylum in the embassy of Chavez's loyal ally, Nicaragua. Outside, angry Peruvians yelled for his return.
Chavez can't stand a prosperous Peru."
Great line!
NOTE: The following text is a quote:
https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=103398
YOU ARE HERE: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: Peru Declared State of Emergency in North
CONSULAR AFFAIRS BULLETINS
Americas - Peru
10 Jun 2009
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WARDEN MESSAGE: NORTHERN PERU SECURITY PRECAUTIONS
U.S. Embassy Lima issued the following updated Warden Message on June 10:
The government of Peru has declared a state of emergency in the north of Peru. Political demonstrations, strikes, and marches are occurring in Amazonas and Loreto. Some of them have been violent, with police and protestors being killed. Protest marches can cause serious disruptions to road, air, and rail transportation. Sympathy demonstrations are occurring in various other regions of Peru, including Cuzco and Arequipa.
Organizers have publicly advertised of their plans to hold a march and protest in the center of Lima on Thursday June 11, 2009. Since the Embassy cannot rule out the possibility of violence being associated with this event, it is highly recommended that this part of metropolitan Lima be avoided, if possible.
Demonstrations are often - but not always - announced in advance. While these activities are usually peaceful, they can quickly escalate into violent confrontations. Foreigners are prohibited by Peruvian law from taking part in anti-government demonstrations, and in the past some U.S. visitors have been arrested after joining in spontaneous marches. As a general rule, it is prudent to avoid large crowds and demonstrations. Visitors are encouraged to keep informed by following the local news and consulting hotel personnel and tour guides. It may be useful to provide family or friends with a general itinerary. The Embassy also repeats the wisdom of registering travel with the Consular Section.
The U.S. Embassy will continue to monitor this situation and will issue updated messages.
Americans living or traveling in Peru are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration web site at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Peru. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy or Consular Agent. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.
For any emergencies involving American citizens, please contact the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit of the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section, located in Monterrico, a suburb of Lima, at Avenida La Encalada, Block Seventeen; telephone 51-1-618-2000 during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or 51-1-618-2936 for after-hours emergencies (english) or 51-1-618-2935 for after-hours emergencies (spanish); fax 51-1-618-2397, or 618-2724 (American Citizen Services Unit); Internet website http://lima.usembassy.gov/ . The Consular Section is open for American Citizens Services, including registration, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. weekdays, excluding U.S. and Peruvian holidays. The U.S. Consular Agency in Cusco, Peru, can be found at Avenida Pardo 845, Cusco. The office can be reached by phone at (51-84) 231-474, and is open Monday thru Friday, excluding U.S. and Peruvian holidays, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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