Civil groups to protest against US troops in Peru

[Judi Lynn]

Civil groups to protest against US troops in Peru
Irish Sun
Monday 2nd June, 2008
(IANS)

Lima, June 2 (Prensa Latina) Non-governmental organisations in Peru have called for a general strike to protest against the government's decision to allow US troops helping the civil administration to carry arms.

Earlier, the government had urged the US troops to help civil administration construct water-wells and classrooms in the country's restive southern province of Ayacucho where illegal armed groups operate.

The government's decision has been criticised by the opposition politicians who say the authorities have bent laws to allow foreign soldiers to carry guns.

Opposition combine Ayacucho Defence Front has announced that the strike will take place July 8.

Around 70 US soldiers have already been deployed and 350 more are expected to arrive.

Front chairman Iver Maravi said protesters would demand the withdrawal of the foreign troops, as its presence goes against the country's law.

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