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Saturday, June 26, 2004

Vladi Acquitted: The BBC is the first to report that Vladimiro Montesinos has been acquitted by a Peruvian court of some "corruption and conspiracy charges." He was accused of "having secured a favourable judgement for a relative of the mayor of Callao, who faced drugs trafficking charges." NOTE: He is already serving a nine-year sentence. According to EFE, the Spanish news agency, "the court also acquitted Alex Kouri, the mayor of the district of Callao.

Peru LNG Gets Approval: Dow Jones reports that the Peru LNG environmental impact study was approved "to build a plant to produce liquefied natural gas for export, but is still facing a land dispute," according to Carlos del Solar (Hunt Oil Co. of Peru). Peru LNG is the consortium made up of Hunt Oil and SK Corp. NOTE: "The entire project has a $2.1 billion price tag that includes exploiting the gas from Block 56 in the southeastern Amazon, expanding existing pipeline capacity and building the plant." Still simmering is the dispute between Chincha and Canete, each of which "insist that the land, valued at $430,000, belongs to them."

Keiko: Wedding and/or Jail?, cont.: The Miami Herald slips this sentence into their Americas column: "A prosecutor on Friday said former president Alberto Fujimori's eldest daughter, Keiko Fujimori, deserves five years behind bars for $318,000 worth of donated clothing she took without authorization." The Associated Press offers archived photographs of Keiko and Pulga and Keiko and her father.

Peru-China Trade Evolution: Reuters reports that "Peru has rapidly lost markets and business opportunities since it slapped extra tariffs on cheap Chinese clothing imports last year and should scrap them next month to avoid lasting damage," according to Carlos Canales (National Chamber of Tourism). The temporary tarriffs end on July 11 and Canales was joined with several business leaders calling for them not to be renewed. José Chlimper Ackermanan (Foreign Trade Society) said "Lima and Beijing had been discussing Peruvian grape exports for more than two years, but news of the extra tariffs put a deal on hold." The story also reviews the strategy to appeal to Asian tourists. According to Canales, "after Malaysia was put on the list in 2000, tourist numbers increased fourfold in two years." NOTE: Tourism is Peru's No. 2 foreign currency earner. The story runs on a Chinese news site.

Mining Levy Pressures, cont.: Dow Jones reports that Toledo's government "won't delay bidding for the Las Bambas copper deposit, despite the fact that at least five companies have dropped out of the race," according to Luis Zegarra (ProInversion). The auction is set for July 23. SEE ALSO: 'Mining Levy Pressures in yesterday's Peruvia below.

Peruvians In Haiti: The United Nations reports that "the United Nations today took over responsibility for the peacekeeping operation in Haiti from the United States-led multinational force at a ceremony in the capital, Port-au-Prince." Peru is among a half-dozen countries to provide additional troops for the Multinational Interim Force to be deployed by the end of July.

Mantas for USA Presbyterians: Virginia's Times-Dispatch reports on the Presbyterian Chuch (USA)'s denominational assembly where each of the over 3,500 participants was given a manta, "brightly colored tote bags ... made by 15 women in Lima, from blankets that Peruvian women use for carrying babies on their backs." SEE ALSO: The Presbyterian Church's press release states that "Banners, pulpit drapes, exhibit-booth tablecloths, staff members' vests and tote bags were all made" from mantas. "About one ton of tote bags were shipped from Lima to Richmond this spring." They were made by Grupo Mano, "a cooperative of five seamstresses in Lima who make manta products for sale in the United States." The Church also offers two pages of photographs of the mantas being made.

Farfán Joins PSV: The Associated Press, Sporting Life, and the UEFA football magazine reports that the Netherlands' PSV Eindhoven "has signed [a four-year contract with] playmaker Jefferson Farfán from Peruvian side Alianza Lima." The AP says that "Farfan will move to the Netherlands after the Copa America final in Lima on July 25. Peruvian media put the buyout fee at US$1.8 - 2 million." IN DUTCH: PSV Eindhoven's press release includes an interview with one Jefferson Agustín Farfan Guadalupe who "is afkomstig van de club Alianza Lima."

Peru vs. Argentina on June 30: Reuters offers several photographs in anticipation of the friendly match with Argentina on June 30 in New York including shots of Flavio Maestri and Nolberto Solano, Maestri and Martin Hidalgo, Coach Paulo Autori, and the Coach with his players.

Zinc For Peruvian Mothers: Reuters reviews a study from a recent issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition which suggests that "pregnant women need to have adequate zinc levels to ensure optimal bone growth in their developing baby. For women from countries where zinc deficiency is common, taking zinc supplements can rectify this problem. " Laura E. Caulfield, of the Johns Hopkins University NOTE: "The study involved 242 pregnant women from Peru, a country where zinc deficiency is common." SEE ALSO: The article abstract from the Journal as well other studies on the same topic with Peruvian populations in March 1999, June 1999, and April 2000.

Less Coca, cont.: The VOA catches up with the United Nations' annual World Drug Report which shows "a decline in the cultivation of coca and opium poppy from the world's two major drug-producing regions." SEE ALSO: 'Less Coca' in June 21's Peruvia.

LA Restaurant Review: The Los Angeles Times (registration: peruvia/peruvia) runs a restaurant review for the Inka Grill chain owned by Ana Montoya-Ives from Chimbote who "began her career as a restaurateur by scrubbing oil vats at a Kentucky Fried Chicken as a single mom and recent immigrant." ALSO: "While the exotic tastes of Peru haven't achieved ubiquity in Orange County, they're being discovered. The county has nearly a dozen Peruvian restaurants (not including Inka Grill's locations)."

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Friday, June 25, 2004

LAST ITEM TODAY: Editorial: Peruvia Questions NYTimes Judgement

Shining Path in Huanta: Reuters and the Voice of America report that "some 30 Shining Path rebels killed one soldier in an attack on a military patrol ... guarding an asphalt factory," in the town of Cangari, Huanta, Ayacucho, according to an army spokeswoman. ALSO MENTIONED: Comrade Artemio. The VOA reports that "the Associated Press says the government-owned plant makes asphalt for highway repairs in the region and is permanently guarded by soldiers." See also 'Sendero or Narcs in Aguaytia?' in June 6's Peruvia.

COPA NEWS:
- Strike Before Copa? The Associated Press reports that government airport workers "announced a strike during the first three days of July." The Copa América tournament is set for July 6-25. DETAILS: Union leaders announced a "48-hour strike - set to begin at 7 am on July 1 and end at 7 am on July 3 - comes in protest of government plans to privatize provincial airports." Two previous airport strikes have been called off.

- Trouble in Chiclayo? The Northern Report (from Chiclayo) focuses on the challenges that the Copa América tournament particularly in Piura, Trujillo and Chiclayo. Piura and Chiclayo are the co-hosts for Group B while Trujillo and Lima are co-hosts for Group A. Among the upcoming challenges are the impending CGTP strike, dengue, and - - street crime. CITED: Juan Carlos Muga Santamaría (Director of Tourism, Region of Lambayeque) and Arturo Castillo Chirinos (Mayor of Chiclayo), Yehude Simon Munaro (President, Region of Lambayeque), and Rodolfo Gonzales Rodríguez (Director of Health, Region of Piura). ALSO: Each city is expecting approximately 10,000 tourists, "a number Trujillo tourist officials say will match their annual total." NOTE: The Northern Report also has a separate post which highlights, with photographs, the preparation of Elías Aguirre Stadium.

- Copa Dreams: Reuters updates the pursuit of Jefferson Farfan by Dutch club PSV Eindhoven, according to his club Alianza Lima. ALSO: "The 19-year-old, linked with a move to English premier league club Chelsea last year, has been named in the Peru squad for the 12-nation Copa América.

Mining Levy Pressures: Bloomberg and BNAmericas report on the efforts to roll back the mining levy President Toledo signed earlier this week in Pasco. Bloomberg reports that the Toledo government "asked Congress to revise a mining royalty passed this month after companies such as Anglo American and Rio Tinto" withdrew from bidding on Las Bambas according to Prime Minister Carlos Ferrero. ALSO: "The new draft bases the fee on international metals prices rather than gross sales," according to Minister of Energy and Mines Jaime Quijandria. Six companies have exited the bidding since Congress passed the royalty plan on June 3. QUOTED: Emilio Fandino (Industrias Penoles) who was the most recent to withdraw, and Peter Faur (Phelps Dodge) which "still plans to take part in the bidding." NOTE: The headline seems a bit presumptive: 'Peru to Amend Royalty as Miners Pull Out of Bambas.' BNAmericas reports that Peru's mining companies are going to take legal action against the legislation and quotes José Miguel Morales (National Society of Mining, Petroleum and Energy) declaring that they have "plans to collect 5,000 signatures in order to be able to present a case of 'unconstitutionality'." PROCESS: The law was signed by Toledo on June 23, published in El Peruano on June 24 and the Ministries of Energy and Mines & Economy and Finance "now have 60 days to draw up regulations to implement the law." CITED: lawyer Luis Carlos Rodrigo (Rodrigo, Elías & Medrano), and Armando Mendoza (assistant to Congressman Javier Diez Canseco). ALSO: South Africas Engineering News surveys the impact of the mining levy and the politics surrounding the bidding process on Las Bambas.

Peruvians Abusing Peruvians, cont.: New York Newsday offers an update on the 69 Peruvian caught up in the 'human trafficking ring' and quotes Alexander Ugarte, deputy counsel general at the Peruvian Consulate in Manhattan saying that some of them "are relieved they were rescued but worried about what will happen to them next." NOTE: Ugarte "expected to find the detainees in prison jumpsuits, but they were wearing civilian clothing - indicating authorities may be viewing them as victims rather than suspects." ALSO: The International Immigrants Foundation was asked "to cease its efforts to assist the victims after immigrant advocates criticized the organization."

FWyatt Dies: The San Francisco Chronicle notes that Francis D. 'Bud' Wyatt, who played an instrumental role in the development of Peru's fishing industry, has died. In the early 1940s, Wyatt was visiting Peru "where he conceived of the development of that nation's commercial fisheries. In 1946 he moved his family to Lima and in a period of four years assisted in the creation of one of the world's largest tuna fishing operations." ALSO: "As the Peruvian tuna fishing industry thrived and the number of employees grew, there soon emerged a union movement whose leaders were well motivated but lacked the skills for collective bargaining. In recognition of these shortcomings, Mr. Wyatt created an unconditional fund for educating young labor leaders at the venerable University of San Marcos, the western hemisphere's oldest university. Upon his retirement in 1963, Mr. Wyatt was presented with a medal for distinguished service by the President and Legislature of Peru."

CHACCU!: The Associated Press reports, through several photographs, on Chaccu, the once-a-year and now state-sponsored shearing event in Ayacucho in which thousands of wild vicunas are rounded up, shorn of their wool and then released. SEE ALSO: This first person, North American, fully-illustrated account of the Gran Chaccu and this shorter piece from Rumbos del Peru. IN SPANISH: See the government's version of the Tenth National Chaccu and a tourist information take.

Keiko: Wedding and/or Jail?: The Associated Press and the BBC report on former first lady/daughter Keiko Sofia Fujimori, who was officially charged "for mishandled donations as first lady" nine days before her July 3 wedding date to Mark Vito Villanella. Prosecutor Marta Salinas is " seeking five years in prison ... a fine of 5,000 soles (US$1,430) and that authorities block Keiko Fujimori from holding public office for two years." NOTE: "The latter punishment is an apparent attempt to prevent her from running from Congress in 2006, a move she has considered." ALSO: The donations under investigation were sent by private American aid group World Vision and was intended for flood victims. SEE ALSO: 'Fujimori Wedding Bells' in March 9's Peruvia (which got the grooms' name wrong); this 1998 World Vision Annual Report (on p. 14) has Keiko Fujimori and then Prime Minister Carlos Torres y Torres Lara receiving $1 million in pharmaceuticals for flood victims. IN SPANISH: See this 2003 Associated Press story on the donations.

Wedding Celebration – Mazeltov!: Israels' Arutz Sheva offers a column by Batya Medad on participating in "a regular religious wedding in Jerusalem. The men wore kippot, mostly crocheted; the women were in dresses with sleeves and the married ones wore hats. The difference was that the chattan, kallah (bride, groom) and most of the guests looked like Peruvian Indians." NOTE: "Half a millenium after their ancestors fled the Spanish Inquisition, the spark of Judaism is burning brightly in Peru. Clans of Peruvians are discovering the source of 'secret family customs.' ... [E]ntire families of three and even four generations are rejoining the Jewish religion and then making aliyah to Israel." ALSO: "The wedding music was Jewish-Israeli with a Latin beat."

Salseros in Washington: The Washington Post includes a profile on 'Son de Aqui' in an article on local salsa bands. 11 of the 12 band members are orginially from Peru and play "pretty much the salsa dura." Says Adrian Reyes, "We knew each other from Peru because we all used to play in groups there." In fact, much of Son de Aqui's lineup "derived from three of Peru's most popular salsa bands, La Clave del Callao, Orquesta Progressiva del Callao and Orquesta Antonio Cartagena." SEPARATELY: Colorado's Summit Daily includes the Manuel Molina Jazz Quartet in an article about jazz performances. NOTE: This site says that "At 17, Manuel was the youngest to conduct the Peruvian National Symphony."

Macro/Micro Econ:
- WBank Finances Bonds: Reuters notes that the World Bank's International Finance Corp. "will issue up to 50 million soles ($14.4 million) in three-year Peruvian bonds on Friday, the first time it has issued debt in Peru. The program foresees the issue of up to 180 million soles in bonds." The IFC's press release page does not yet have information on this.
- Dow Jones reports that Compania Minera Atacocha "successfully placed $10 million in five-year corporate bonds," according to Chief Financial Officer Sergio Escalante.
- Marriot Hotels referred in a press release to a survey in Global Finance in which "readers listed the JW Marriott Hotel & Stellaris Casino in Lima as one of the 'Best Hotels in Latin America'."
- The Airline Newsdesk repeats LAN Peru's press release that they have "initiated five new regional routes including expanded service to Argentina, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela and Mexico. The airline now operates services to seven cities within Peru and 11 international destinations."
- The Instituto para el Crecimiento Inmediato y Masivo de Empresas includes this in a press release on their newsletter: "And this is what Jorge Guerra Lopez from Paisano Telecom Café Internet, in Huanuco, Peru has to say: “You can’t imagine how important it’s been for our company to receive your newsletter Exito Empresarial -- to learn about practical marketing and run the business successfully. It’s true!"

Asparagus Wars, cont.: The Washington Times runs a gossip piece on Democratic lobbyist Terry Lierman who "was spotted by [this columnist] aboard a train bound for Machu Picchu in Peru. When he asked an anonymous Peruvian "how one should invest in Peru?," [Lierman] received a one-word answer: Asparagus. ALSO: London's Independent runs letters on asparagus and globalization (second to last letters) including the surprise of finding "Peruvian-produced spears on the shelves" in Norfolk.

New Spider: National Geographic reports on a new spider, Ochyroceratidae, was just discovered in Peru in May, and is the fifth known spider with "the ability to measure and create symmetrical webs."

Aguaje - The Miracle Fruit!, cont.: The aguaje story keeps on traipsing the globe and reaches South Africa today.

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EDITORIAL: Representing Whose Interests?: Yesterday's New York Times article, reported from Ilave, argues that Alan García was "exiled in disgrace after a tenure considered one of the most corrupt and incompetent in Peru's recent history." Peruvia has no partisan stake and no reason to defend individual politicians but this dig simply seems gratuitous. That it appears in almost every mention reporter Juan Forero makes of García calls for some attention. Upon the end of his presidential term, García's APRA party candidate, Luis Alva Castro, received 22% of the votes in the first round in the 1990 elections, not exactly a contemporaneous electoral repudiation (with Vargas Llosa at 33% and Fujimori at 29%). By way of comparison, President Belaunde's party candidate received 7% in the 1985 elections. In addition, most charges of corruption against García came from a Fujimori government which sensed García was its only real challenger which is why they 'exiled' him. And the charges of corruption? According to this Jan. 2001 BBC story, "the Peruvian Supreme Court annulled corruption charges against Mr Garcia, following a recommendation by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights." The CIDH ruling weakens the suggestion that this was all about the statue of limitations. If a newspaper wishes to criticize a politician, why resort to unsubstantiated jeremaids? The New York Times is certainly not the only news source which depicts García this way; indeed the Wall Street Journal's Mary Anastasia O'Grady and the Dow Jones Newswire have finessed it down to an artform. These critics' strongest suit against García could be his record of dismal economic policies in the 1980s. In yesterday's article, the Times extolls the macroeconomic setting: Peru "has the region's most impressive economic growth, on paper, with the economy expanding about 4 percent a year since Mr. Toledo was elected in 2001." There is, however, no uncertain irony that the same voices that jump at every opportunity to praise Toledo's competent economic policies, which are diametrically opposed by the great swath of the Peruvian population, are the same who rail the loudest, quickest and most consistently against García's history and return.
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Thursday, June 24, 2004

Mayor Lynched, cont.: The New York Times places Ilave on page A1 today with Juan Forero reporting from Puno though he tries to translate it into a continent-wide story: "The beating death of mayor [Cirilo Robles] may seem like an isolated incident in an isolated Peruvian town but it is in fact a specter haunting elected officials across Latin America.” He then points to that specter in eight other countries. April's UNDP survey on democracy is cited: : "A majority would choose a dictator over an elected leader if that provided economic benefits." The Central Theme: "the main source of the discontent is corruption." Quotes come from Riordan Roett (Johns Hopkins University), Larry Birns (Council on Hemispheric Affairs), Daniel Vargas (Ilave university student), Teófilo Challo (Ilave farmer), Néstor Chambi Pacoricona (indigenous leader and agronomist), former Congressman Gregorio Ticona Gómez, David Jiménez Sardón (former President of the Puno regional government), Percy Flórez, (Ilave municipal official), and Arnaldo Chambilla Maquera and Edgar Lope Condori (both Ilave councilman). The article is accompanied by two photographs though not the one on the front page of the print edition. NOTE: It took the New York Times 11 days to alert its readers of the lynching in Ilave (scroll down this May 7 article). Today's on hand reporting is well-sourced if late. See the original coverage in 'Mayor Lynched' in April 27's Peruvia.

Beer Scandal?: Reuters reports that Peru's Congress "began an investigation into allegations [that Cesar Almeyda] a former adviser to President Alejandro Toledo took bribes to favor the sale of Peru's only brewer in 2002," after El Comercio reported this that Bavaria "paid the adviser $2 million to support its purchase of Union de Cervecerias Backus & Johnston. NOTE: "Venezuela's Empresas Polar brewery was competing with Bavaria to buy Backus." ALSO: Witness Hugo Duran "said Toledo had received part of bribe money, an allegation the government denies."

Indigenous Populations Diminished: The UN Department of Public Information reports that "64 indigenous peoples who live in voluntary isolation in Amazon forests in South America are condemned to gradual extinction," including "the Tagaeri, Huaorani, Taromenane, Corubo, Amamhuaca, Mashco, Kineri, Nahua y Kugapakori peoples, among others [who] live in Bolivia, Brasil, Ecuador and Peru. ... The Amamhuaca language is only spoken by 720 personas (500 in Peru and the rest in Brazil)." NOTE: It is likely that they mean 'Amahuaca.’] Latinamerica Press offers a summarized version of this.

Mining Law Accepted: An updated Reuters reports that "Toledo signed the controversial royalty plan into law at a ceremony on Wednesday in the central mining region of Pasco. Lawmakers say it will raise much needed cash for poor regions where mining is done." Jose Miguel Morales (National Society of Mining, Petroleum and Energy) who called the law 'madness.'

Las Bambas - Who is In/Out?: BNAmericas reports on "Anglo-Australian mining house Rio Tinto will not be participating in the auction of Peru's Las Bambas copper project," according to Julian Bavin, the company's South American exploration director. NOTE: "This brings to six the number of companies which have over the last three weeks either completely pulled out of or are re-evaluating their participation in the auction scheduled to take place July 23." SCORECARD: Those who have pulled out include Barrick Gold, Noranda, Southern Peru Copper and Anglo American; BHP is on the fence; Phelps Dodge has confirmed their participation. A later Bloomberg story reports that Industrias Penoles of Mexico "pulled out of the bidding for the Las Bambas project," according to Jorge Merino (ProInversión). DETAILS: "Las Bambas holds 40.5Mt of proven reserves grading more than 2% copper and exploration potential of more than 500Mt," according to ProInversión.

Mining Strike: Interfax-China reports from Shanghai on Shougang Hierro Peru which "has suffered an estimated loss of US$ 3.51 million because of a strike lead by the company's labor union," which began on June 1. Wu Jianxin, "with the Information Office of Shougang Group in Beijing," declared: "I think this kind of strike is quite normal. It happens from time to time, no matter how well we treat them." Wu also said that "Shougang did encounter some problems in terms of cross-cultural management, as they used some Chinese-styled management techniques." BACKGROUND: "Shougang Hierro Peru is China's largest enterprise in South America and the largest iron ore supplier on the east coast of the Pacific Ocean."

More Mining:
- Cardero Resources offered in a press release "an update on its iron-oxide copper-gold projects, Marcona and Pampa de Pongo, located in southern Peru.
- Canada's ACS Industries offered an exploration update in a press release (see the second half) on their Pinaya Gold Project located 100 km from Arequipa and "within 7 km of the BHP-Billington Tintaya Mine road. The project comprises seven mineral concessions covering more than 4,000 hectares or 40 square kilometres."

Copa America TV Rules: Reuters, reporting through a photograph, says that President Toledo asked América Televisión, which has the rights to the Copa America soccer tournament, "to allow Peru's state channel to transmit the matches. If the company refuses, Toledo said he would order it to do so via a government decree." Copa América begins July 6. IN SPANISH: See the president's declaration and the Channel's defense.

Naval Exercises: Xinhuanet reports that "about 15,000 mariners from 14 American countries launched Wednesday joint military maneuvers dubbed 'Unitas-2004' in the Peruvian seas and rivers. The amphibious exercises, the largest on the continent, will be carried out first in a strip of 550 kilometers along the northern coast, and later in the eastern Peruvian jungle," according to a spokesman for the Peruvian Navy. NOTE: The exercises are "scheduled to end on July 24" and include the participation of US nuclear aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan. These maneuvers "have been held every year since 1960." MercoPress reports on USS Reagan and "the thousands of prostitutes from all over Chile and even neighbouring countries were converging on Valparaiso looking forward to an 'exceptional season' when the thousands of US seamen arrive for a rest and recovery few days." For More on Unitas: see 'Military Maneurvers' in June 2's Peruvia.
ALSO: The USA Navy Newstand reports on the completion of the U.S. Joint Forces Command-directed and -sponsored Combined Joint Task Force Exercise (CJTFEX) 04-2, designated Operation Blinding Storm, June 21," which included Peru's participation."

War of the Pacific, cont.: The Associated Press reports through several photographs, on Bolivian Foreign Minister Juan Ignacio Siles and his one-day visit to Peru "to discuss a trade pact" with Peru. Bolivia has been trying to pressure Peru's southern neighbor, Chile, to grant it access to the Pacific Ocean. When asked by reporters, Minister of Foreign Relations Manuel Rodriguez Cuadros said Peru would not enter into ongoing dispute."

Peruvians at Mexican Consulates: Big News Network reports that "Peruvians living in U.S. cities without a Peruvian consulate will be able to seek legal services at Mexican consulates," according to Minister of Foreign Relations Manuel Rodriguez Cuadros. NOTE: This will allow "some 1 million Peruvians living in such cities to seek legal from Mexico's facilities." ALSO: "Mexico operates 43 consulates in the United States."

LHorna Elected but Loses: Tennis Magazine (last item) reports that Luis Horna was elected a vice-president of the ATP Player Council "during a meeting of players at Wimbledon. Player Council members are elected by their peers and serve terms until June 2006." The official Wimbledon site (see Court 6) was defeated by Mario Ancic, 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease, cont.: The BBC reports that the Argentine government "has temporarily banned meat imports from Brazil after the country reported an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease." ALSO: The only note on Peru is this: "The Peruvian authorities have also reported their first outbreak of foot-and-mouth in four years." The USA Farming Life also carries a report on the disease in Latin America with an emphasis on Brazil.

NZealand-Peruvian Relations: New Zealand's Scoop publishes their Prime Minister Helen Clark's speech last night at the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs where she declared "Peru is an old friend and fellow APEC member."

Kim Jong Il Celebrated: The Korean Central News Agency (third item) reports that "Lectures, photo exhibitions and film shows were held by the New Left Movement of Peru" among others, "on June 15 and 16 on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of leader Kim Jong Il's start of work at the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea. ... Screened at the film shows were Korean films including 'The Country Taking on More Beautiful Appearance under the Leadership of the Great General.' "

Aguaje – The Miracle Fruit!, cont.: Yesterday's aguaje story is reported in places like India, Pakistan and even translated into Greek (see second item).

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Wednesday, June 23, 2004

Peruvians Abusing Peruvians, cont.: New York Newsday continues its investigation on the 69 Peruvians illegally smuggled into the United States and reports that "federal agents in Peru were trying to determine how some of them received visas from the U.S. Embassy there," according to Lynn Roche, (who has been the Cultural Attache at the U.S. Embassy in Lima). CITED: Stuart Patt, (State Department's Consular Affairs). While "at least 21 of the Peruvians [claimed they] had tourist visas... 'the majority' had not entered the U.S. with tourist visas, but had been smuggled in by the ring." Said an employer of some of the protagonists: "They were wonderful people, very dedicated, hard workers." A separate Newsday story reports that "if they are fortunate, [the 69] may end up with a green card. If they are not, they could be deported to their homeland, where they may be in danger from traffickers." NOTE: "Federal sources said yesterday it is unlikely the Peruvians will be deported unless they have a criminal background because they are considered victims of the smugglers, who are the main targets of U.S. prosecutors." ALSO: The local Peruvian consulate has contracted with the International Immigrants Foundation for assistance in the case but a "controversy broke out over who will provide the immigrants with legal counsel, with some advocates criticizing the group." Also cited: The Long Island Immigrant Alliance.

Drug Conference in Lima: The South African News Agency reports on a study released by DEVIDA (National Commission for Development and Living without Drugs) which shows that "drug cartels hire Peruvian children aged between six and eight to process coca leaves ... to stamp coca leaves mixed with chemicals in order to release the cocaine." The report was released "in conjunction with a meeting of the Andean Committee for Alternative Development." The 'II Foro Internacional sobre Drogas' will be held in Lima tomorrow. IN SPANISH: See this news summary from Radio 1160.

Brazil Will Shoot Down Drug Planes: The Associated Press and the Financial Times report that "the United States and Brazil are close to agreement on ways to cooperate on shooting down aircraft over Brazil that belong to drug dealers form neighboring countries." The Financial Times reports that "Brazil, Peru and Colombia in February signed the first agreement for their military and police to co-operate in the war on drug trafficking." SEE ALSO: 'Borders' in February 12's Peruvia.

Peruvians Are Mainly ‘Type O’: Newsday reports, in a story about different blood types, "About 43% of Americans are Type O, but so are nearly 100% of Peruvian Indians."

Motorola To Help CARE: Motorola announced in a press release that they are joining CARE, the international humanitarian organization, in "a new relationship to provide mission critical technology in some of the most remote parts of the world," including Peru." Telephone and radio technology does not exist in the rough landscape of the Peruvian highlands in Puno, which suffers the country’s highest maternal mortality rate. ... Pregnant women and mothers with medical complications will now be able to call for an ambulance, reach a doctor, nurse or CARE worker for consultation and arrange transport for medicine." SEE ALSO: Current CARE projects in Peru.

Free Trade, cont.: The Atlanta Journal and Constitution reports on the second round of talks toward the Andean Free Trade Agreement with Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and the USA and quotes Sylvia Ostry (University of Toronto) criticizing the talks saying that “When the United States seeks individual free trade treaties with Latin American nations, it hurts chances for the hemisphere-wide deal it is pushing.” SEE ALSO: ‘Free Trade’ in June 20’s Peruvia.

Macro/Micro Econ:
- Lucent Technologies released a corrected press release to announce "that it has been selected by Nextel Peru to provide managed services for Nextel's multi-vendor network." SEE ALSO: the original press release in 'Macro/Micro Econ' in June 16's Peruvia.
- Reuters reports that South African miner Anglo American "has pulled out of next month's auction for the huge Las Bambas copper project because of the Lima government's decision to impose royalties on mining companies," according to a government source.
- Oil & Gas News reports that the "$2.15 billion LNG export venture, which aims to sell natural gas from Peru’s Camisea project to the US and Mexico, received a boost when the project’s operators and the government wrapped up lengthy negotiations for a neighboring block that will add substantial gas reserves," according to Antonio Cueto, head of Perupetro.
- The Washington Times summarizes Monday's Reuters interview with CGTP leader Mario Huaman and the planned July 14 strike.

Peruvian Priest Hiding? The Dallas Morning News, following up on their earlier stories, reports that "Salesians of Don Bosco leaders have disputed a report by The Dallas Morning News that they have moved priests accused of child sexual abuse from country to country, away from law enforcement and victims." An earlier version of the story (no longer online) named "Rev. Carlos Peralta, a Salesian priest from Peru who is wanted for questioning by Chicago police."

Aguaje - The Miracle Fruit!: Ananova reports that Aguaje "is said to have become popular with Peruvian women seeking curvier figures." The fruit is "said to have a huge quantity of hormones and to give women curves" and "is also said to be an aphrodisiac." Model Paola Ruiz told Las Ultimas Noticias: "If I don't eat the Aguaje I have to go to the gym. I could eat 25 in a day." NOTE: Is this Paola?

Morning-After Pill Makes Waves, cont.: Human Life International denounced, in another press release, the NGO Flora Tristan for "its attacks on Congressman Hector Chavez Chuchon who in turned, had denounced USAID. Thomas Euteneuer, president of HLI, declared that "Congressman Chavez is a man of principles who is receiving the trashing radical feminists deal out to truth-tellers."

Ronaldo in Peru, cont.: Glasgow's Evening Times, apparently using this Reuters story, reports on Ronaldo's promotional tour for AmBev in Peru and focuses on his weight and whether he was a metrosexual. NOTE: Ronaldo will not form part of the Brazilian squad for the Copa America. SEE ALSO: 'Ronaldo in Peru' in yesterday's Peruvia.

Criminal Predator, cont.: The Associated Press, New York Newsday, and the New York Post update the story on Walter Calderon, a Peruvian doctor in Manhattan who has now "has pleaded guilty to charges of groping and fondling three female patients at Metropolitan Hospital while telling them he was giving them medical examinations." NOTE: "Calderon, a native of Peru, received his medical education and license in his home country." SEE ALSO: 'Criminal Predator' in April 30's Peruvia. Tabloid NY Post headline: 'DIRTY DOC GETS 90 DAYS FOR GROPING DISABLED PATIENTS.'

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Tuesday, June 22, 2004

UPDATED: Includes EKarp in Chile' and 'Ronaldo in Peru.'

MHerald – Toledo Should Stay: The Miami Herald (registration: peruvia@peruvia.com; peruvia) pegs an editorial to the recent polls on Toledo's popularity and emphasizes that "it is vitally important for Peru that Mr. Toledo finish his constitutional term, even though many Peruvians may wish otherwise." In the editorial, "the business and financial communities" and their "economic progress" trumps "the public's respect." It even manages to praise Toledo for his handling of the Ilave protests. NOTE: It concludes by labelling as "political disasters" the administrations of Francisco Morales Bermudez ( military government), Alan Garcia Perez (inept populism), Fernando Belaunde Terry (radical insurgency), and Alberto Fujimori Fujimori (authoritarian rule). Their passive headline: "Peru stays the course with unpopular leader."

APOYO Numbers, cont.: The Center for Public Opinion and Democracy trickles out more of yesterday's APOYO poll, touting Toledo's 1% popularity increase with this headline: 'Toledo Up, But Still Low In Peru.' NOTE: CPOD also defines the scope of the poll: "Interviews to 583 Peruvian adults in Lima."

Peruvians Abusing Peruvians: The Associated Press, the New York Daily News, New York Newsday and the New York Post report on 69 Peruvians "illegally smuggled into Long Island and kept 'in virtual servitude' while they worked to repay the smugglers," according to Martin Ficke, a US immigration agent. Newsday makes it a front-page story and their investigative coverage is the best. They offer a 12-picture slide show as well as a a companion piece on the recent surges in illegal immigration. NOTE: "A breach of security, apparently centered at the U.S. embassy in Lima, enabled the Peruvians to enter the United States on tourist visas without any background check." THE WORST: "The three alleged smugglers arraigned in U.S. District Court in Central Islip, Jose Ibañez, his wife Mariluz Zavala, their daughter Evelyn Ibañez were "identified as Peruvian nationals in the United States on legitimate resident visas." QUOTED: Rev. Allan B. Ramirez and Roslynn Mauskopf (the US attorney for the Eastern District of New York).

La U For Sale? Reuters reports that Jorge Vergara, a Mexican businessman, will “try to buy” Universitario de Deportes, for $25 million, according to Carlos Mariategui, his spokesman. BUT: The club's president, Alfredo Gonzales said "La U was not for sale. From a financial point of view, it's madness. And from a sentimental point of view too." NOTE: Vergara "made his fortune selling weight-loss and nutritional products, [and] dreams of owning a soccer club in every country where his Omnilife empire operates."

PPK – Not Hanging Up on Telefonica: Reuters reports that Minister of Economy and Finance Pedro Pablo Kuczynski said "the decision not to renew Telefonica del Peru's contract beyond 2019 was not meant as a warning to foreign investors." NOTE: The contract was not renewed "on the grounds it had not met some of the terms of the contract, an allegation the company denies." ALSO: "'There is no warning here against any Spanish, Chilean, Colombian, U.S. or British firm,' Kuczynski said, listing the five top foreign investors in Peru." He also noted that Telefonica originally had "not only had 100% of the fixed-line telephone market in Peru but also had 75% of the mobile phone market."

EKarp in Chile: Reuters reports (through photographs) on first lady Eliane Karp's arrival in Valparaiso for a meeting with a human rights Chilean congressional commission.

Ronaldo in Peru: Reuters reports on Brazilian beer company AmBev's promotional stunt of having Ronaldo visit Peru. Reuters has several photographs of him in in Villa Maria del Triunfo including one with Mayor Luis Castaneda. The Real Madrid star also paid a visit to the Alianza Lima soccer club. Ronaldo also put on the red-and-white national colours and paid homage to Santa Rosa de Lima. SEE ALSO: 'Brazilian Beer Still Peru-bound' in May 14's Peruvia.

Ronderos Freed/Baptists Welcomed: ALC Noticias includes two stories in their latest report (see last items). The first story is on the release of eleven ronderos after being detained in Pueblo Libre, along the Mayo river in San Martin, "after a Supreme Court decision determined that they should not be in jail. They had served four months." ALSO: The Evangelical Peace and Hope Association helped in their defense, with the collaboration of the Ombudsman, the Legal Defense Institute and the Federation of Peasant Patrols in San Martin. The second story is on the Peruvian Congress' approval "by acclamation, a motion to send greetings to the Evangelical Baptist Convention in the country and the International Crusades missionary organization." The motion was co-sponsored by Congressman Walter Alejos Calderón (Ayacucho), a Protestant. NOTE: International Crusades, a missionary organization led by the Rev. Francisco Nunez is carrying out an Evangelical campaign this week in Lima and the port of Callao.

UNICEF @ Copa America: UNICEF announced in a press release that they and the South American Soccer Federation (CONMEBOL) "have agreed to dedicate the Copa América 2004 to the children of the host Peru," using the theme ¡Con los niños sí se gana!. ALSO: "Arrangements have been made with the President of Peru to ensure that 12,000 children can attend the games." NOTE: "The passion for soccer begins with children, when they first begin kicking in the womb." ALSO: "Pepsi, LG Electronics, Master Card and PETROBRAS have organized activities to convey the message of ¡Con los niños sí se gana! to the thousands of fans who see and hear their advertising." CITED: Andrés Franco, UNICEF Representative in Peru.

More Mining:
- Reuters reports that gold production at Compania de Minas Buenaventura "should rise 16% to 350,000 ounces in 2004 as improved technology boosts the amount of gold extracted from ore," according to Chief Financial Officer Carlos Galvez. NOTE: "The increase will put Buenaventura's total gold production at 1.65 million ounces this year."
- BNAmericas catches up with the Toledo government's view of the mining levy and reports that "Peru's government plans to pass into law this week the mining royalty approved by the country's congress and subsequently make modifications," according to prime minister Carlos Ferrero on June 18.
- The Independent's Investment Column offers this: "One fund manager in particular has struck gold - well, copper, to be precise - with his recommendation of Monterrico, a mining business operating in deepest, darkest Peru." But the devil is in the details.

Maria Jesus Honoured: Hollywood's Variety (see a free version of the article) reports on the movie "'Maria Jesus,' a true story about a Peruvian immigrant’s clandestine trip to Italy," which "took home the top Danzante de Oro award at the international short film competition at the 32nd Festival Cine de Huesca. The Festival's press release says that the film "deserv[ed] the 9000 euros with which the prize is endowed that also opens the doors to the nomination to Oscar."

MPicchu Endangered? Agence France Press reports that "the government announced the creation of a commission that will establish guidelines to preserve" Machu Picchu in a bid to save it from being called "an endangered site" by UNESCO. NOTE: "A designation in UNESCO's List of World Heritage in Danger would hurt Peru's ''morale,'' said an official statement announcing the panel's formation." The Miami Herald (last item; registration: peruvia@peruvia.com/peruvia) includes the AFP story.

Morning-After Pill Makes Waves, cont.: Human Life International denounced in a press release Minister of Health Pilar Mazzetti Soler's "effort to distribute the 'morning-after' pill in government clinics despite a constitutional law barring such action." Said Rev. Thomas J. Euteneuer, the president of the organization, "The minister's arrogant flouting of the law, which protects 'conceived life' in the womb, should be investigated as criminal." The title of the press release is: 'Chemical Warfare.' SEE ALSO: 'Morning-After Pill Makes Waves'in June 16's Peruvia.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease, cont.: US AgNet reports on the "new outbreaks of foot and mouth disease" in Peru and Brazil. It quotes Dr. Oscar Dominguez Falcon, director-general for animal health at the National Animal Health Service (SENASA)in Lima, saying that laboratory diagnosis on June 11 and 14 confirmed an outbreak on three farms in the Lurýn district of Lima in Peru. The outbreak occurred in fattening cattle and eight were destroyed and another 80 slaughtered." The World Organization for Animal Health also put out a press release with further details.

Bank Project Approved: The World Bank released the 'Sierra Rural Development Project' report which offers a loan of US$25 million (for a project budget of US$35 million) which will: "improve the opportunities of rural peasants to meet their economic development goals through: (i) the promotion of ‘strategic alliances’ and local economic development to link farmers to markets, (ii) organization, capacity building and empowerment of rural peasants’, and supporting productive investments, (iii) the strengthening of the regional and local institutional setting to improve the delivery of private/public productive related services to the poor."

SPORTS:
- Wimbledon has set the order of matches with Luis Horna scheduled to play at noon today against Croatia's Mario Ancic in the Gentleman's Singles on Court Six. Ancic is unseeded.
- USA Badminton reports that the 2004 Pan American Junior Badminton Academy by the Pan American Badminton Confederation "will take place on July 26-30, 2004 in Lima, Peru after the 2004 Pan American Junior Badminton Championships." ALSO: The Confederation also announced today an 'International Referees’ Training Course' in Lima.

ETC:
- Orchid Thief, cont.: The Miami Herald (second item) updates the case of Peruvian orchid grower Manuel G. Arias Silva and George Norris of Texas and their orchid smuggling operation. Norris as pled guilty to sumggling "tropical lady slippers" by disguising them as garden-variety plants.
- More Coke in a Bottle: The Korean Herald runs the New York Times article on K Drink. For the original article, see 'Coke in a Bottle' in June 10's Peruvia.
- ‘If You’re A Peruvian’: The Telegraph has an opinion piece by Mark Steyn on the United Kingdom and the European Community. As an example, he offers this: "When it comes to national identity, one is entitled to a measure of ignorance. If you're a Peruvian and you're happy being a Peruvian, you're unlikely to be impressed by the Guardian arguing that that's just because you haven't read all the sub-clauses of the Bolivian constitution. Identity is primal, not a matter of footnotes."
- New Jersey's Weekhawken Reporter notes that Jorge Janampa, "a native of Peru," was the Salutatorian at Weehawken High School.
- The Los Angeles Times reports on the Chabad-Lubavitch worldwide movement including a Passover seder last spring in Cuzco for 800 guests.
- The Salisbury Post reviews "A Walk on the Beach," by Joan Anderson, a "memoir/self-help book" which includes a section about Anderson's hike along the Inca Trail in Peru.

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Monday, June 21, 2004

FZevallos Sues El Comercio: The Miami Herald (registration: peruvia@peruvia.com/peruvia) reports that Fernando Zevallos, Aero Continente's founder, is suing El Comercio for $205 million, "saying its reports on him have damaged his 'honor and good reputation'.'' The Bush Administration listed Zevallos as a "drug kingpin" on June 1. This is "believed to be the largest amount ever sought in a libel case in Peru," and according to Caretas publisher Enrique Zileri, "the danger that El Comercio faces is that 'libel law is very erratic in its application'.'' The Inter American Press Association calls this suit, "a clear act of intimidation." CITED: Zevallos' media assistant, Germán Arata; an anonymous "U.S. official;" El Comercio reporters Fernando Ampuero and Miguel Ramirez and attorney José Ugaz. NOTE: "Ecuador announced this week that its antidrug police are investigating Zevallos." SEE ALSO: 'Sally Bowen Accused' in May 24's Peruvia.

One Big Strike: Reuters reports on the CGTP's (Confederación General de Trabajadores del Perú) planned strike on July 14 and profiles "Peru's top union boss," Mario Huaman Rivera. This would be the "first nationwide action since 1999." ALSO: "The CGTP's 13-point platform is bound to alarm investors." On the date conflict with the Copa America: "Huaman said the date was non-negotiable." Reuters also offers a photograph of "workers stand[ing] next to a mural on the walls of Peru's top union hall." SEE ALSO: 'Worries about Copa America' in June 16's Peruvia.

APOYO & DATUM Numbers: Several sources emphasize different parts of the new poll from Apoyo as well as the recent numbers from DATUM. Dow Jones begins with the Apoyo Opinion y Mercado poll (June 17 and 18 in the Lima area and released by El Comercio) which shows "Toledo's popularity rising to 7% in June from only 6% the month before." ALSO: 93% of Peruvians said the CGTP strike "would be acceptable, as long as it was peaceful." Bloomberg says Apoyo shows about 75% "expect the country to benefit from free trade talks" and about 33% "said higher taxes under a royalty plan passed by congress will scare off investment in mining." NOTE: While Bloomberg says that "the newspaper didn't disclose the margin of error," Dow Jones says it is 4%. Dow Jones also reports on the DATUM poll (June 11 to 14 on a national level) and characteristically keeps the heat on AGarcia: "29% saying they would never vote for" Garcia. The Centre for Public Opinion and Democracy explores DATUM's numbers further and headlines: 'García Overtakes Fujimori In Peru.' The APRA leader receives 23% support in this poll, "up by 5% since April." Alberto Fujimori - 21%, Valentín Paniagua - 19%, Lourdes Flores Nano - 10%. MercoPress says DATUM "shows 11% supporting a military coup and 8% a popular uprising. ... Peruvians are more concerned with unemployment 45%; the economic situation 23% and corruption 19%." IN SPANISH: See the Apoyo poll referenced in these five articles in today's El Comercio: One, Two, Three, Four, Five. SEE ALSO: 'DATUM - Toledo at 7%' in yesterday's Peruvia.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease, cont.: MercoPress reports that "Uruguay banned the import of wool from Peru, where last week [there was] an outbreak of foot and mouth." NOTE: "Uruguayan Customs and Migration authorities have also undertaken strict control measures in ports and airports for passengers arriving from the South American Pacific. However no decisions were taken regarding" the outbreak Brazil. SEE ALSO: 'Foot-and-Mouth Disease' in yesterday's Peruvia.

Macro/Micro Econ:
- Just Style reports that "textile exports from Peru jumped 32.4% year-on-year to US$424 million for the five months to end-May," according to ComexPeru."
- Oil Online reports that "the Camisea consortium, which includes PlusPetrol of Argentina and Hunt Oil of Dallas, expects to enter into an agreement with Peru's state oil agency Perupetro this summer for development of Block 56." NOTE: "The block is believed to contain about 3 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves."
- Florida's Sun-Sentinel placed Lan Peru's press release about their expanded routes "to serve seven cities within Peru and 11 international destinations." See Also: 'Lan Peru on the Rise' in June 14's Peruvia.

More Mining:
- Bloomberg (last item) reports that Prime Minister Carlos Ferrero said "the government will accept the 1 to 3% royalty levy on mining production voted by Congress two weeks ago. Peru's second-biggest zinc miner would be one of the main payers of the levy." See Also: 'Mining Law to Be Signed' in yesterday's Peruvia.
- Dynacor Mines announced in a press release "the discovery of another new gold structure, Veta Calvario on the far west of the Acari property, in Peru. The new structure is located near the 'Inka Cola' and 'Coca Cola' veins."

HdSoto and the King: Thailand's The Nation reports from Lima on Hernando de Soto's interview with King Bhumibol Adulyadej and the king's "expressed concerns that modernisation could hurt the country's environment and its traditional values." The story was pegged to a visit by Thai Trade Representative Kantathi Suphamongkhon to the Instituto de Libertad y Democracia. (He "was in Lima negotiating a free trade agreement with Peru.) Lowballing the Numbers: De Soto "said he has decided not to enter politics even though recent surveys show that his popularity rate is much higher than" Toledo's. SEE ALSO: 'Trading with Thailand' in June 16's Peruvia.

Posh on Posh: The Daily Mirror offers a diary 'written' by Victoria 'Posh' Beckham during her two-days in Las Lomas de Carabayllo, on the outskirts of Lima, for Sport Relief: "She's one of the most famous and wealthy women in Britain but when [she] spent two days with a Peruvian child who earns a pittance by selling rubbish, it changed her outlook for ever. Special Quotes: "Despite the poverty here, I do get a sense that people are having a go and are happy. ... Over the next two days it's my job to tell the story of an 11-year-old girl named Dinah. ... Her mum died three years ago of cancer. Am told it's common here." FOR ALL THE TABLOID COVERAGE: See 'Posh In Peru' in June 13's Peruvia.

Less Coca, cont.: The USA State Department's Washington File hails the United Nations report on the reduction of coca production in the Andes. Said John Walters, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy: "once again, we are seeing that when democracy, stability, and security flourish in drug-producing nations, progress can be made against the narco-terrorists who threaten our way of life." For the Report and More, See: 'Less Coca' in June 18's Peruvia.

Maximo Presidente! Nebraska's McCook Daily Gazette offers a travel piece on Machu Picchu by their columnist Walt Sehnert. He has written at least twice before on Peru including once on former Vice-President Maximo San Ramon's businesses ("Mr. Caceres is an Inca by birth.") and another time on a dinner party. The piece on San Roman has significant errors: "[I]n 1990, President Alan Garcia left office under duress. So for a period of three months, until Mr. Fujimori, the incoming leader, took office, Maximo San Roman Caceres served as President of Peru. ... It seemed strange to realize that this man, in his working clothes, speaking so informally to us, was a former President of Peru." The piece on the dinner party also has some unusual lines: "A seven-hour dinner party? I'd never heard of such a thing. But we were to find that such a party was not unusual in Peru. Poverty is widespread in Peru."

SPORTS:
- Sporting Life notes that Dutch team PSV Eindhoven "is to hold talks" with Jefferson Farfan on Tuesday. Claim: The club has "lined up a four-year deal for the 19-year-old."
- The Thoroughbred Times reports that "Peruvian classic winner Big Luck survived a claim of foul to earn a victory in the Clasico Jockey Club del Peru," at the Hipodromo Monterrico in Lima."
- Utah's Deseret News profiles Chessmaster Ramiro Zapana, a 12-year old from Arequipa.

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Sunday, June 20, 2004

DATUM - Toledo at 7%: DATUM has released a new poll (not yet on their site) which is reviewed by Canada's Centre for Public Opinion and Democracy as well as the Spanish news agency EFE. EFE reports that 65% of Peruvians "say the only solution to the country's political 'stagnation' is to cut short" Toledo's term. 34% preferred that Toledo call early elections; 31% said Congress should declare the office of president vacant." CPOD focuses on Toledo's popularity: "7% approve of the president’s performance, a 5% drop since November 2003." NOTE on Methodology: "Interviews to 1,118 Peruvian adults, conducted from Jun. 11 to Jun. 14, 2004. Margin of error is 3%." The Miami Herald (fifth item) summarizes EFE's reporting.

Mining Law to Be Signed: Bloomberg and Reuters report that Toledo's government "would sign into law next week a controversial mining royalty of 1 to 3% of sales and try to modify it later," according to Prime Minister Carlos Ferrero. Reuters says this "goes against an earlier plan to send the bill back to Congress with changes, [and] would set in stone a law mining companies say will adversely affect investment in one of the world's top metals producers." NOTE: "Congress approved the royalty by 90 votes to 11 on June 2. Toledo has until June 24 to sign the bill." Reuters quotes Congressman Alejandro Ore Mora (Huancavelica), Victor Raul Espinoza (President of the Pasco region), Jose Miguel Morales (National Society for Mining, Petroleum and Energy), and Carlos Galvez (Buenaventura's CFO). Bloomberg quotes Oscar Gonzalez Rocha (Southern Peru). Separately: Reuters offers a "FACTBOX" for the "mining royalties controversy."

Broadcast Law - Signed: Hollywood's Variety (see also this free version of the article) outlines some of the details of the new media law "regulating investment and the content of radio and television programming. The law also stipulates that 30% of content must be locally produced and family oriented between 6 pm and 10 pm." CITED: Congressman Fabiola Morales (Piura); the National Radio and Television Society (which supports the law); and the Peruvian Media Council and National Consumer Association (which oppose the law). (Reporter Lucien Chauvin is said to be on staff at Variety even though it also suggests this is his first article for 2004.) SEE ALSO: 'Broadcast Law Limits Foreigners' in yesterday's Peruvia below.

GDP Returns To Channel 5: The Associated Press reports, through photographs, on the return of "media mogul" Genaro Delgado Parker to contolling Panamericana, and notes the riot police in front of the studios.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Reuters reports that on June 11, "Peru reported its first outbreak since 2000 of the highly contagious foot-and-mouth disease, saying eight infected cattle and 80 animals in contact with them have been slaughtered and more were being killed," according to Jose Ochoa of the National Service of Agrarian Health (SENASA). Ochoa said, that "It's been a fairly light outbreak, and now it is under control." WHERE: The disease was detected in Lurin but the area "had been sealed off." Possible Origin: Piura. In northern Peru there is contraband where Ecuadorian animals are passed off as Peruvian." (The Miami Herald includes a summary of this in their 'Americas' column.)

Free Trade, cont.: Xinhua Net reports that "three members of the Andean Community and the United States agreed on the term of customs reduction on industrial and agricultural products," according to a spokesman for the Peruvian delegation. "Reductions ranged from five to 10 years on different products." The Associated Press has a photograph that includes Deputy Trade Minister Pablo de la Flor at the free trade talks in Atlanta.

Asparagus Wars, cont.: The Boston Herald reports on asparagus grown in Massachusetts, declaring that "[t]oday, the asparagus capital of the world is no longer Massachusetts, but Peru. Thanks to a combination of free-trade laws, a drug-eradication program that rewards Peruvian farmers for growing asparagus rather than coca and a year-round growing climate, the U.S. market is suddenly awash in cheap asparagus from South America." The story also includes local perspectives from farmers in Concord. NOTE: Asparagus "must be harvested one stalk at a time."

Less Coca, cont.: The Voice of America catches up with the reporting on the recent UN study on coca, including a photograph. See June 18's 'Less Coca' in Peruvia below.

Peruvian On Rome City Council: Agenzia Giornalistica Italia reports on Santos Taboada Zapata recently elected as 'assistant councillor' for Latin American residents on the Rome city council. The article is on the new move to provide allowances for all concillors. IN SPANISH: For more background on Taboada, see this note from Peru's Ministry of Foreign Relations and the third letter in this issue of Caretas. See also this summary in Italian.

IN REMEMBRANCE: The Massachusetts Republican reports on the death of Dr. David R. Sigelman "who died unexpectedly in Peru May 8 after contracting altitude sickness. He was on a mission ... to teach villagers how to improve health care." According to this press release from Harvard University, the physician "died in a small hospital in the town of Tambobamba, Apurimac [where he was] teaching and caring for children." The David Sigelman Memorial Fund has been established in his honour. See Also: the Boston Globe obituary and this press release from Dartmouth College.

Peruvian Priest Hiding? The Dallas Morning News reports on their yearlong investigation on how "hundreds of [Catholic] priests accused of abuse have been moved from country to country, allowing them to start new lives in unsuspecting communities and continue working." NOTE: "In the case of one priest from Peru, his superiors have ignored a church panel's 1995 demand that he have no contact with children, as well as Chicago police's subsequent request to question him. Salesian officials in Peru say they don't know where he is, but The Dallas Morning News found him working in Mexico — the fourth country he's been in since he was first accused of misconduct more than a decade ago." Listen Also: an interview on National Public Radio with the reporter of the story.

Arts and Religion: Ha'aretz reports on "Diaspora congregations to which Israeli rabbis are sent as part of a Yad Avi Hayishuv program." The story includes Rabbi Efraim Zik "currently serving in the Lima, Peru community," working on a project "aimed at bringing Jews who had moved away from religion closer by means of art." NOTE: "When [Zik] tried to compete for the job of rabbi of a congregation in Jerusalem, he was told that he was too young." ALSO: See Rabbi Zik on this list in 'Peru' and the last contact on this list.

Madam Travels to Peru: South Carolina's Post & Courier (registration: peruvia/peruvia) offers a travel piece to Machu Picchu by their lifestyle columnist. It includes the requisite "dining on an attractively roasted guinea pig" and "Coca tea also is used to bathe new babies and dead bodies." ALSO: "Our big splurge [was] 50 solares, about $16.50 [and] we told every guinea pig joke in the universe."

SBaca in Concert: The Scotsman reviews Susana Baca's concert at Usher Hall in Edinburgh and praises her more than Thursday's Guardian (see below.) "Susana Baca was more than the cherry on the cake. ... Her philosophy edges its way inside you as she dances barefoot across the stage. Awe-inspiring." The Journal previews her show at Newcastle's City Hall.

SPORTS:
LHorna in Wimbledon: The Associated Press and Reuters note that Luis Horna made the first round draw to become the 33rd seed for this week's grasscourt grand slam at Wimbledon as a result of Argentine David Nalbandian's injury. NOTE: The 33rd seed is the last entry for seeded players.

Olympic Team: The Baltimore Sun (near the end) notes that Carlos Cánepa is trying to make the Peruvian swim team for the Olympics in Athens. IN SPANISH: See this article about his win last year at the Patriot Invitational.

Team Peru Identified: Reuters reports on Peru's 23-man squad for next month's Copa América tournament which will include Jefferson Farfan, Nolberto Solano and Claudio Pizarro. The tournament will be from July 6-25. NOTE: "Eight of the squad are from last season's champions Alianza Lima while four are from Cienciano, last year's Copa Sudamericana winner." ALSO: The Houston Chronicle (using a Tribune Media story) reports that Univisión and TeleFutura will televise the tournament to their USA audience. Most games will play live on the smaller TeleFutura network. "Univisión will air a few of the favorite matches, as well as the semifinals and finals." NOTE: "The U.S. national team also was asked to play but declined." SEPARATELY: The BBC profiles Nobby Solano with this title: 'Solano promises more.'

Peruvian In Kentucky: Kentucky's Herald-Leader profiles jockey Rafael Bejarano after "[w]inning the $162,150 Aristides Breeders' Cup Handicap yesterday on Champali capped a run of eight days that saw him win two stakes at Churchill Downs last Saturday." ALSO: "Bejarano came to Kentucky from Peru only two years ago." See also the official story from Churchill Downs.

Kentuckian in Peru: The Thoroughbred Times reports that "Kentucky-bred Paradisus, a lightly raced four-year-old son of Numerous, solidified his role as Peru’s top sprinter by scoring his second group victory," in the Clasico America at Hipodromo de Monterrico.

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