13:05 | Chumbivilcas (Cusco region), Mar. 28.
The Peruvian Government is willing to resume
dialogue to meet the demands of Fuerabamba community regarding Las Bambas mining project in Apurimac region, Development and Social Inclusion Minister Paola Bustamante has affirmed.
"We are not backing down from this process. We believe we must live in peace," the official expressed.
Members of the Fuerabamba community have blocked a roadway corridor in Cusco region that is used by Las Bambas to transport its copper production to Matarani Port.
It should be noted only the mining company's vehicles are forbidden to transit. Fuerabamba community demands Las Bambas to pay compensation for the use of the lands.
The Development and Social Inclusion Ministry (Midis) head —alongside Ministers Zulema Tomas (Health) and Edmer Trujillo (Transport-Communications)— arrived in Yavi Yavi estate (Cusco region), where there is a space for
dialogue between Apurimac Region Governor and mayors.
In this sense, the goal was to understand the situation of women and children, as well as to resume talks with the population.
Minister Bustamante indicated they were greeted kindly by some of the citizens, but little by little other locals approached them saying they would not talk until the community's Chairman Gregorio Rojas and his advisors were released.
As is known, Rojas and the Chavez Sotelo brothers —legal advisors of the Fuerabamba community— have been detained by judicial order, as the brothers allegedly encouraged the protesters not to give in, so they could make money.
"We were willing to explain that the Executive Branch is not in charge of releasing or holding their leader, but it was in vain (…)," she added.
(END) FHG/CVC/DTK/MVB
Published: 3/28/2019