Peru declares emergency after protests, report says

Peru government issues emergency decree after clash between police, protesters Indian groups protesting laws making sale of their lands easier Emergency decree in effect in provinces of Amazonas, Loreto and Cuzco for 30 days LIMA, Peru (AP) -- A news report says Peruvian President Alan Garcia has suspended civil rights in remote jungle regions where Indian groups are blocking highways and oil and natural gas installations in protest of laws that facilitate the sale of their lands. State news agency Andina reports that the government issued the decree Monday following a clash Sunday between police and protesters in a remote region of northern Amazonas province. Dialogue between the government and protesters broke off Friday when the Indian groups refused to negotiate with Environmental Minister Antonio Brack. The emergency... [read full story]