on Wednesday stated that the Executive Branch will not allow acts of violence or the indiscriminate blocking of roads, which hinder the normal movement of people and trade nationwide.
At a press conference, the Cabinet chief made these remarks in reference to the protests led by mining workers in various parts of the country, following the announcement of the extension of the Comprehensive Registry of Mining Formalization (Reinfo) until the end of this year.
"As we have always stated, as a government we uphold and affirm that freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are valid constitutional rights," Arana stated.
"However, what we will not allow, under any circumstances, is the use of force or violence against people, or the indiscriminate blocking of roads," he added.
In this regard, the high-ranking official expressed his concern over these demonstrations and acts of violence taking place in certain parts of the country, which —he said—"are diverting attention from the news about this supreme decree."
On another note, Arana announced that collective bargaining negotiations involving various trade union confederations were concluded this week, reaching a satisfactory agreement on Monday.
"These measures will benefit more than 600,000 public sector workers and will increase both their salaries and benefits," he said.