Defense Minister Alberto Otarola on Tuesday announced the declaration of a state of emergency in Arequipa for 30 days to ensure public order, as well as to protect public and private assets.
The government official highlighted the willingness of authorities to establish a roundtable to hear the claims.
"It has been agreed that a state of emergency will be declared in Arequipa for 30 days. The regulation will be issued in the next few hours. This declaration does not mean that the Armed Forces will take to the streets to repress the population, but it is intended to protect private and public assets," he said.
Likewise, Otarola remarked that during the state of emergency, the National Police will be supported by the Armed Forces to restore calm and tranquility among the population.
Moreover, the high-ranking official underscored that the declaration of a state of emergency of the National Road Network is being discussed, because there are groups of protesters who have been preventing the free movement (of people) across the country.
At a press conference, the Cabinet member urged all citizens in the country to engage in dialogue and express —in a civil manner— all their expectations, through sincere dialogue, in a bid to achieve concrete results.
Roundtable
On the other hand, Otarola highlighted the support of elected regional authorities currently in office, as well as organizations such as the Public Ministry and the Judiciary, to establish a roundtable in Arequipa.
The Defense sector's head noted that, in order to implement this roundtable, he will have to identify social actors first, while violent attitudes are put aside.
(END) JCC/CVC/RMB
Published: 12/13/2022