Living in Peru : your everyday companion

Former spy chief refuses to give further testimony against Peru's Fujimori

Former Peruvian spy chief Vladimiro Montesinos on Monday refused to give further testimony at ex-president Alberto Fujimori's trail on human rights abuses. "From this moment on I won't answer any question (from the prosecutor or lawyers)," the former National Intelligence Service head told the court hearing Fujimori's trial. (Xinhua - click here to read complete article)


In Testimony, Former Spy Chief Says Peru's Fujimori Is Innocent

Former president Alberto Fujimori and his security chief, Vladimiro Montesinos, who together wielded unprecedented powers in Peru throughout the 1990s, faced one another in a Lima courtroom Monday, the first time the two had seen each other since fleeing the country nearly eight years ago. (Washington Post - click here to read complete article by Lusien Chauvin)


Peru mines hit by nationwide mining strike

Workers at several big mines in Peru went on strike Monday and joined a nationwide walkout, hoping to pressure Congress to pass a bill that would give them a greater share of profits from sky-high metals prices. The strike, which pushed global copper prices to a two-month high of $8,620 per tonne, will test President Alan Garcia at a time he is losing sway in Congress. He has tried to persuade legislators to approve the labor law, but has so far failed. (Reuters - click here to read complete article by Dana Ford and Teresa Cespedes)


2 moderate earthquakes rattle central Peru; no damages reported

The U.S. Geological Survey says a 5.5-magnitude earthquake rattled Peru's central highlands, followed by a 4.7-magnitude temblor in the same area. No damages or injuries were immediately reported. The first quake struck at 7:17 p.m. (0017GMT) Monday evening, and the second hit 47 minutes later. (The Economic Times - click here to read complete article)


Peru: Latin America Bond, Currency Preview

The annual inflation rate likely accelerated to 5.4 percent in June, from 5.39 percent in May, according to the median estimate of 13 economists in a Bloomberg survey. Inflation in the last month accelerated to 0.49 percent, up from 0.37 percent in May, according to the median estimate of 13 economists in a Bloomberg survey. (Bloomberg - click here to read complete article by Jamie McGee)