Living in Peru : your everyday companion

(LIP-jl) -- Peruvian President Alan Garcia maintained his tough stance against striking coca farmers by reiterating that a delegation of high ranking government officials will not negotiate with those he believes are being sponsored by Peru's powerful drug traffickers.

Coca farmers from the department of Huanuco began an indefinite strike yesterday against government backed coca cultivation eradication efforts, which they say unfairly groups them with farmers who grow their crops for cocaine production. As part of their demands, they have requested talks with high ranking government officials.

Garcia, who is currently northern Peru, fired off at the demands made by the coca farmers.

"What delegation of high ranking officials? There is nothing to dialogue about because Peru needs to promote responsible agricultural development with adequate alternative crop programs that will help put an end drug production," said Garcia.

As Peruvian Prime Minister stated yesterday, the president is "absolutely convinced" Peru's drug lords are behind the latest strike in Tingo Maria and Aucayacu.

"It is evident that drug lords are orchestrating the strike. Just as in Colombia where drug lords have purchased the protection of para-military guerrilla groups to protect their illicit operations, they have done same with groups of coca farmers who run around protesting, 'let me grow whatever I feel like growing' and I am here to tell you that is not how it works," sustained the Peruvian leader.

Nonetheless, he guaranteed governmental support for farmers who have been verified to run legitimate operations while maintaining a tough stance on those who support Peru's drug trade.

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