Peruvia

Newmont's Troubles, cont.: Newmont Mining and Compañía de Minas Buenaventura released another joint press release late yesterday to announce that "Minera Yanacocha has begun resuming normal mining operations at its mine north of the city of Cajamarca after an agreement was reached between the Government of Peru, representatives from the Cajamarca community and Minera Yanacocha." This morning, the Denver Post, Reuters, and the Rocky Mountain News each update the story. The press release says that "the blockade of the access road to the mine ended at approximately 4:00 p.m.." It says that Carlos Santa Cruz (Newmont Mining), declared, "We are pleased that negotiations led to a peaceful resolution of this matter. We understand the importance of safeguarding the water supply in the Cajamarca region." Roque Benavides (Buenaventura) added, "Mining is a vital part of Peru, creating economic opportunities, jobs and enhancement of the quality of life for local communities. We look forward to working with the local community in a mutually beneficial and fair manner." The Denver Post is the only one with new information and cites Caesar Bryan of Gabelli Funds ("It's no good if a mining company doesn't have the support of the local population"), Marco Arana of Grufides ("This makes history, because the just demands of people have been listened to by the authorities), and Carlos Santa Cruz of Newmont ("They have suspended the ruling, but they have not annulled our exploration permit.") See Also: Newmont's Troubles in yesterday's Peruvia.

AFujimori In Scam: Japan's Asahi Shinbum reports that Alberto Fujimori was used in a scam that bilked thousands of Japanese investors" of nearly 10 billion yen." Toshio Yabuki's company "is suspected of getting 4.22 million yen from four people in July and August 2002 by soliciting investment in gold coins, promising high returns. The so-called commemorative coins were billed as 'marking the 3,000th anniversary of the Inca empire in Peru.' Coins were never sent to the 'investors' the police said. The company allegedly used Fujimori's name to publicize the sales. He was introduced as an adviser."

KFujimori, Charges Dropped: The Associated Press reports that Judge Humberto Lecca dropped criminal charges against Keiko Fujimori that carried a sentence of five years in prison. She was "accused in July by a prosecutor of mishandling donations as Peru's first lady in 1998." NOTE: The charges were dropped because of "lack of evidence." NOTE: "Analysts have speculated that she might run for president, standing in for her father." See Also: 'Keiko: Wedding and/or Jail?' in July 7's Peruvia.

Free Trade Talks, cont.: Puerto Rico's Caribbean Business reports on the fourth round of free trade negotiations this week between the U.S. and Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia. The talks were held at the Wyndham El Conquistador Resort & Golden Door Spa in Fajardo with Pablo de la Flor as the chief Peruvian negotiator. NOTE: "A parallel, private-sector business roundtable is to be held on agricultural issues, intellectual property rights, labor, and environmental protection. .. Small and medium-size businesses from the Andean region are participating in the round of trade talks." ALSO: "Wanda I. Colón Cortés of the Caribbean Project for Peace & Justice suggested that, “if the talks had been held in any of the Andean countries, there would have been large [antiglobalization] protests.” NOTE: "The talks are of particular importance to Puerto Rico given the increased access they may give local businesses to South American markets. ... Puerto Rico exported products in the amount of US$1.5 million to Peru and imported US$16.8 million from Peru. See Also: 'Free Trade Talks' in September 14's Peruvia.

Kerry's Peruvian Connection: Reuters has several photographs (one, two, three) of USA presidential candidate John Kerry in Colorado who was visited by members of the Denver Power Soccer Academy, founded by Edgar Campos, "a former professional soccer player [from Peru who] put to use his cultural, educational, professional knowledge and experience to build a respected program for youth."

Museum Opens in Wash DC: Catholic News Press and the Washington Times report on Tuesday's opening of the National Museum of the American Indian. NOTE: "There are drinking cups more than 1,000 years old from Peru." See Also: 'Toledo in DC Again' in September 13's Peruvia.

Peruvians Salute N.Koreans: The Korean Central News Agency reports that "floral baskets were sent by parliaments, political parties, ministries, organizations and high-ranking officials of different countries to the DPRK embassies in the capital cities of the respective countries on the occasion of the 56th founding anniversary of the DPRK." Among others they included "Peasants and Students of Peru, the Peruvian Committee for Supporting the Independent and Peaceful Reunification of Korea, the Peruvian-Korean Institute of Culture and Friendship." See Also: 'Juche in Peru' in April 19's Peruvia.

Camisea Reveals Ancient Treasures, cont.: The Los Angeles Times runs an edited version of the Reuters report about the archeological finds that the construction of the Camisea pipeline has unearthed. See Also: 'Camisea Reveals' in September 15's Peruvia.

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