GOP EXTENDS STATE OF EMERGENCY FOR 60 MORE DAYS

UNCLAS LIMA 001388 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PINS PHUM ASEC PE SUBJECT: GOP EXTENDS STATE OF EMERGENCY FOR 60 MORE DAYS ¶1. Via a Supreme Decree signed by President Toledo on March 18, the Government extended for two more months the State of Emergency first declared in May of 2003. The Presidential Decree carried over the State of Emergency in the same geographic area covered by the most recent extension, dated January 19. The areas affected are six provinces and districts located in the departments of Ayacucho, Huancavelica, Cusco and Junin. An accompanying Supreme Resolution, also signed by the President, carried the determination that the Armed Forces would be responsible for maintaining internal order in the affected locations, and that the National Police would support the military's efforts. ¶2. The area where the State of Emergency continues to exist includes some of Peru's most remote regions, where there is little official presence. The four departments affected have large areas dedicated to coca cultivation, and in some locations continue to witness sporadic activity on the part of Sendero Luminoso. STRUBLE