Andina

Peru PM: Executive Branch doubles support for dialogue in mining conflict

10:39 | Lima, Mar. 27.

Peruvian Prime Minister Salvador del Solar on Wednesday informed the Executive Branch has decided to double its support for dialogue in order to solve the conflict affecting Las Bambas mining project.

In this sense, the cabinet chief announced the Executive Branch will send a high-level commission —composed of Ministers Edmer Trujillo (Transport-Communications), Zulema Tomas (Health), and Paola Bustamante (Development and Social Inclusion)— to Cusco and Apurimac regions with the purpose of guiding the talks.

"It is our wish, not only to resume dialogue, but also to turn it into a truly important conversation on the development we seek for the mining project's whole influence area," he expressed. 

"We are paving the way towards dialogue (…)," the Prime Minister added. 

Likewise, Del Solar indicated talks were affected by the extortive behavior of the Chavez Sotelo brothers —legal advisors of the Fuerabamba community— who have been detained by judicial order, as they allegedly encouraged the protesters not to give in, so they could make money. 

Members of the Fuerabamba community (Apurimac region) 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.

(END) VVS/CCR/DTK/MVB 

Published: 3/27/2019