Living in Peru : your everyday companion

(LIP-jl) -- Peruvian President Alan Garcia today categorized the 72-hour regional strike in the jungle department of Loreto as 'irrational' and 'suicidal.' He claims that unscrupulous business figures and radical political groups have 'manipulated' regional authorities into calling the strike.

The president, who indicated that the two main demands protesters are calling for - more funding for the region's education sector and not to lift tributary exemptions - have been resolved, lamented that regional officials do not have the 'courage' to tell the truth.

"The reasons for this strike are based on erroneous and false claims because we already have the funds in place for professors and we are not going to touch the tributary exonerations. This is a suicidal strike that only harms the city of Iquitos," stated Garcia.

He urged Iquitos residents not to be misguided by false claims which, due to suspended flights and river travel, will ultimately isolate the city.

"The only things strikes based on lies and deceit achieve are negative economic affects such as a loss in tourism revenue and dependable trade," added Garcia.

As a result of the 72-hour strike which began yesterday, all flights from Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport to Iquitos have been suspended through tomorrow. Trade and commercial activity has also been suspended by regional authorities.

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	Peru: Flights to Iquitos canceled, roads blocked due to jungle strike (by LIP, Jun 05, 2007)
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