05 December 2011

PERU: Mine Opponents Feel Betrayed After Humala Declares State Of Emergency In 4 Provinces Over Conga Mine Protests.

                                         AP/ Long Analysis


      Under pressure from his first real major controversy...new President Ollanta Humala has declared a 60-day state of emergency in 4 northern provinces...as 11 days of protests over the proposed $4.8bn Conga gold mine in Cajamarca have worsened...leaving some injured...and property damaged.
     The declaration allows security forces to restrict right of assembly, make arrests without warrants and restore services during protests.  
     Humala also blamed local officials for the continuing impasse.  
    The protesters and some officials say they feel betrayed by Humala's declaration...because they had already halted a strike...and agreed to negotiations.