Living in Peru : your everyday companion

(LIP-jl) -- Lima's stock exchange (Bolsa de Valores - BVL) registered its first loss in six days yesterday as low international metal prices affected Peruvian mining stocks. The BVL closed Thursday's trading session at 20,454.23 points, a decrease of 1% from Wednesday's close. The Selective Index -ISEL (index that groups the 15 leading stocks), closed at 34.494 units, a decrease of 0.73%. Some of yesterday's most active stocks included: Michell de inversion (+15.28), Supermercados Peruanos comunes (+7.14), Minera Atacocha comunes (+7.0), Metalurgica Peruana de inversion (-13.79), Agroindustrias San Jacinto comunes (-9.52), and Minera Milpo de inversión (-6.83).

(LIP-jl) -- There are no limits to what drug traffickers will do. Yesterday, Peru's anti-drug agency shed light on a new method used by drug traffickers to smuggle illegal drugs overseas -Peruvian chilies. Authorities arrested three people on drug trafficking charges after a tip led them to find 17.1 kilograms of pure cocaine hidden among packages of Peruvian yellow and rocoto chilies, and black mint (huacatay) at a warehouse located across from Lima's International Jorge Chavez Airport. Authorities identified the suspects as Miguel Zeta, Magda Silva, and Karina. The cocaine was schedule to be shipped to Rome, Italy.



(LIP-jl) -- Peru's weather service (Servicio Nacional de Meteorologia e Hidrologia -Senamhi) reports colder than normal temperatures will hit the Lima metropolitan area next month. Lima's typical gloomy weather will limit sunshine in the Peruvian capital to a couple of hours per day while some ares will not see any sunshine at all. Until then, Senamhi expects comfortable temperatures and bright sunshine to fill the Limean skies. So get out and enjoy the weather while you can.






(LIP-jl) -- Peru's national copyright protection agency (INDECOPI) will hold a cultural fair in association with Peru's National Institute of Culture to help create awareness on the issue of authors' rights and the affect piracy has on them. Shoppers will be able to purchase audio CDs and DVDs at reduced prices as well as enjoy plays, movie screenings, and take part in conversations that relate to Peru's cultural development. The fair, which will be held at the Patio de las Artes del Museo de la Nación in the Limean district of San Borja, starts today and ends on Sunday.




(LIP-jl) -- Former Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo has been awarded by three organizations in the United States for his work in defending and fortifying democracy in Latin America. Toledo was decorated by the Council of the Americas, Foreign Policy Association, and the National Endowment for Democracy. "We see in you, a defender of democratic principles and values, and a promoter and leader in the fight against poverty," said Carl Gershman, President of the National Endowment for Democracy as he placed a metal around the former president's neck.