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