GOP EXTENDS STATE OF EMERGENCY FOR 60 MORE DAYS

UNCLAS LIMA 002320

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PINS PTER PHUM ASEC PE
SUBJECT: GOP EXTENDS STATE OF EMERGENCY FOR 60 MORE DAYS

REF: LIMA 1388


1. Via a Supreme Decree signed by President Toledo on May
20, 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 extensions, dated
March 20 and January 19. The areas affected are seven
provinces and districts located in the departments of
Ayacucho, Huancavelica, Cuzco and Junin. An accompanying
Supreme Resolution, also signed by the President, provides
that the Armed Forces are responsible for maintaining
internal order in the affected locations, with the National
Police tasked to 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.


3. The specific areas are:
-- Huanta Province (Ayacucho Department)
-- La Mar Province (Ayacucho)
-- Tayacaja Province (Huancavelica Department)
-- La Covencion Province (Cuzco Department)
-- Satipo Province (Junin Department)
-- Andamarca District, in Concepcion Province (Junin)
-- Santo Domingo de Acobamba District, Huancayo Province
(Junin)
STRUBLE