April 22, 2005. Demonstrations reported in Lima and Juliaca, Peru
| SOURCE: | Air Security International |
Farmers' unions marched throughout Lima on 21 April 2005 to protest against a free trade agreement with the United States. Demonstrations were reported in front of the congressional building, the Sheraton Hotel -- where the ninth round of negotiations is taking place -- and in front of the residence of the U.S Ambassador to Peru. The demonstrators were demanding suspension of the negotiations and a popular referendum regarding this agreement. The demonstration remained peaceful. Traffic jams occurred in the downtown area.
In an unrelated development, at least 17 people were arrested on 21 April, after blocking the main roads in Juliaca, as part of a 24-hour strike launched to protest against the local administration. Local businesses reportedly remained closed, as demonstrators were threatening to loot them if the arrested demonstrators were not released. According to local reports, the blockage affected tourists who entered the country by land from Bolivia en route to Cusco and other cities in southern Peru.
Copyright © 2005, Air Security International, Inc.
