Peru: Indigenous Protesters Occupy Airport, Demand Gov't Listen
Peru: Indigenous Protesters Occupy Airport, Demand Gov't Listen
Published 13 September 2015
Peru has been grappling with a growing protest movement against oil privatization.
Indigenous protesters have seized an airport in northern Peru, escalating demands that the government hold consultations with local communities before implementing any deals that would privatize oil exploration.
Peru has been grappling with a growing protest movement that is calling on the government to nationalize and invest in the largest oil block in the country, Lot 192, which was recently licensed to a Canadian transnational, Pacific Stratus Energy, in August.
Protesters are demanding that the state-run Petroperu operate the oil-rich lot instead of transnational companies, which many remain highly suspicious of.
On Saturday, Indigenous activists with the Quechua Community Assembly in Cuenca del Pastaza decided to take over the small airfield in Andoas, which is used for light aircraft and private business aircraft, in an effort to send a message to the government of President Ollanta Humala and business community.
More:
http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Peru-Indigenous-Protesters-Occupy-Airport-Demand-Govt-Listen-20150913-0028.html