Living in Peru : your everyday companion

(LIP-ir) -- The establishment of ALBA offices and the support of such offices in Peru has been a touchy topic in Peru's congress for some time.

ALBA, an agreement proposed by Venezuela as an alternative to agreements with the U.S., has already opened an office in Puno and has provided aid for hundreds of Peruvians in other regions.

Several of Peru's politicians, including Prime Minister del Castillo, have openly questioned and rejected the establishment of the offices and programs funded by the Venezuelan government.

Despite the controversy, ALBA offices and programs continue to thrive throughout the country.

Julián Icarroca has announced the opening of another ALBA center, called the ALBA house, in Cusco. Icarroca, the new director for the ALBA house, stated that the only objective was to "serve the needy population."

He added that this help was given thanks to Venezuela, Cuba, Bolivia and Nicaragua, all of which have entered into a trade agreement and aim to implement ALBA among the four countries.

According to Icarroca, the new ALBA office is to begin coordinating and organizing a program which will direct groups of Cusco's citizens to medical centers in Bolivia to receive free medical attention. In addition, Icarroca stated that there were 11 Cuban doctors in Cusco searching for a place to establish a clinic.

Icarroca denied that there were any political interests involved in the opening of the new office.

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