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