LATEST NEWS & INFORMATION FROM AND AROUND PERU

Here your find all of the latest press publications and information about Peru - news about traveling and tourism in general as well as latest developments and exciting information about Peru.

MACHU PICCHU BECOMES MORE POPULAR FROM YEAR TO YEAR

After Machu Picchu was declared to one of the 7 new world wonders in June 2007, the tourist stream to Cusco increased to 10 percent this year. The number of 900.000 tourists, that visited this mystic city of ruins last year, shall grow to 20 percent in 2008 according to experts. Of the more than 200.000 visitors that traveled to Cusco from January to March this year, only 8 percent are Peruvian inhabitants, whereas 92 percent are represented by international tourists, especially from the USA, France, Spain, Germany and England.

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SPECTACULAR DISCOVERY NEAR ICA

During the 9th and 11th of April 2008 the group of investigators "Ojos del Cóndor" (the eyes of the condor) and editors of the diary El Comercio discovered a new geoglyph in Ocucaje, in the region of Ica. The 137 meter long and 87 meter wide condor is according to the information of the research director an effort of the Paracas Cavernas culture, which settled there from 600 to 800 before Christ and revered the lord of the heaven as their divinity. This image is completed by 3 further drafts: an insect, a mollusk and another bird. This finding represents one of the most impressive ones of the last years in that region.

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20 MILLION US DOLLAR FOR PERU

According to information of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation APEC, there will take place an investment of 20 million US dollar this year in order to enlarge the tourist infrastructure. Altogether, there are expected 10 million visitors from all over the world, like economic leaders, experts and journalists. The extraordinary culinary network of Lima will be extended by more than 40 restaurant openings this year to satisfy the gusto of the international guests

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PERU - AWARD FOR PRESENTATION AT THE ITB

Tourism experts nominated the exhibition stand of PromPeru as the best in the category America/Caribbean the 4th year in succession. The outstanding and exotic stand of the Andean country stood up to others in criteria as information, service, activities and lasting overall impression. The crowd puller predominantly convinced with its innovative design that combined knowledge, fun and entertainment to a real adventure. Many visitors remained in the jungle corner or marveled at the simulated Machu Picchu in the digital photo area that invited to take some nice memory shots. With an inviting bar, the team of PromPeru created a cordial atmosphere in which judges, as fairgoers enjoyed appetizers of the national heritage declared cuisine and the national beverage Pisco Sour..

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2.5 MILLION VISITORS DURING THE DAYS OF EASTER

According to information of the Peruvian chamber of foreign trade, 2.5 million people will travel through Peru during the Semana Santa (Holy Week). For many natives those days represent the ideal time to visit their remote living family or they want to participate in the impressive processions like many tourists do. Ayacucho, with the most spectacular ceremonial processions of whole Latin America, expects the largest amount of tourist arrivals in whole Peru, while also other cities prepare themselves for the rush of visitors. Cajamarca, for example, provides 4.000 beds for their tourists. Travelers should count on higher prices for accommodation and transportation.

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DISCOVERY OF OLDEST PERUVIAN AND SOUTH AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION

According to information of German and Peruvian archaeologists, a few weeks ago they have found a 5.500 years old historical site in Sechín Bajo in the valley of Casma, which is situated approximately 370 km north of Lima. This is the discovery of the oldest construction in Peru and even South America and opens a complete new chapter in history of Peru. 16 years ago, Renate Patzschke, at that time a German Student who was investigating for her final thesis, came to Casma and since then she is involved, together with the director of the project Peter R. Fuchs in the archaeological excavation in Sechín. On the basis of carbon dating, it was determined that the construction was build 3.500 before Christ. It is build mainly out of natural stones which indicates that the builders had a considerable knowledge and capability of erecting constructions durables. With astonishment, the archaeologists discovered a relief which shows the “Degollador”, the executioner who holds a knife in his right hand and a snake in his left hand. Until now, it was assumed that this character derived from a later time.

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STRIKE IN CUSCO

Many tour operators threaten to declare a strike in Cusco. The just modified law 29164 which implies the privatization of cultural treasures in Peru - including Machu Picchu - outrages especially the residents of Cusco. Already on February 7th a strike was called in Cusco. No buses o taxis were allowed to drive in the city center and even the train to Machu Picchu stood still. With the new law, private investors could restore, conserve and obtain cultural assets in Peru, archaeologically sites, museums or integral nature reserves. The inhabitants of Cusco don’t want to “sell” their sanctuary, as they express it. The chamber of commerce and industry in Lima informed that strikes in Cusco would have a negative impact with financial losses of millions, especially for the tourism sector in Cusco and the whole country. Furthermore, the reputation of Peru as a tourism destination would suffer enormously. Many tourists travel to Peru, for the only purpose to see Machu Picchu.

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TENNIS DAVIS CUP IN LIMA, PERU VS. SPAIN

For the next three days, from the 8th to the 10th of February keep your fingers crossed for the tennis players Luis Horna and Ivan Miranda. Both of them have to play against four Spanish players in the Davis Cup - the most important competition for national teams in men's tennis. Even though the stars of the Spanish team Rafael Nadal and Juan Carlos Ferrero are not playing in Lima, it is not going to be an easy World Cup match for the Peruvians. The Spaniards are the favorites in this competition. The matches will take place in the late afternoon, avoiding the heat that would heavily influence the player's conditions. The head coach of the Peruvian team is very pleased that 2008 is Peru's first appearance among the elite 16 nations. He hopes that his boys will perform well.

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PERULINE AT THE THE TOURISM FAIRS IN STUTTGART 12. - 20.01.2008 AND VIENNA, 17.-20.01.2008

As every year, peruline is present at the most important fairs in the German-speaking countries.

In Stuttgart at the CMT Holiday Fair from the 12. - 20.01.2008 which will take place at the new venue near the airport, you will find us at the stand of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Lateinamerika ARGE e.V. The booth with the index 6D11 is located in hall 6.

In Vienna peruline will participate in the Ferien Messe 2008 from the 17. - 20.01.2008. In those four days you can find us from 10 am on at our stand A0 133 of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Lateinamerika ARGE e.V. in hall A.

We would be delighted to welcome you at one of the fairs and introduce you to the diverse country of Peru and everything that it has to offer. Also, we are more than happy to facilitate your vacation arrangements to Peru. We hope to see you there!

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PERULINE AT THE CMT STUTTGART, 12.-20.01.2008

From the 12.01.-20.01.2008 the CMT Holdiay Exhibition in Stuttgart will take place, this year at the new venue near the airport with even more exhibition space. We from peruline will be present at the fair and would be pleased to welcome you in Stuttgart. You are going to find us in the hall 6 at the stand of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Lateinamerika ARGE e.V at the booth 6D11. There, we will answer all of your questions about Peru and assist you in planning your next journey to Peru. We are looking forward to meeting you at the CMT Holiday Exhibtion!

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BILATERAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES

After months of negotiations, the Senate of the United States signed the treaty of the Free Trade Agreement with Peru. This shall neutralise the existing trade barriers between the two states. The Free Trade Agreement is an important step for Peru, enabling it to appear on the global market with a stronger position. The main goal of this treaty is to flourish the trade between Peru and the United States as well as to fight sufficiently against the cultivation of drugs. Peru as an equal partner wants to attract further foreign investors, become more competitive and as a result reduce the unemployment rate. The Peruvian officials signed already the contract on the 28th of June in 2006. More than a year later, on the 4th of December 2007, the US Senate has done so as well. Now, the President of the United States George W. Bush only has to ratify the bill.

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4000 YEAR OLD TEMPLE FOUND IN THE NORTH OF PERU

Under the patronage of Walter Ave, archaeologists have made a very important discovery - a 4000 year old temple, which is ornamented with remarkable mural paintings. The finding suggests that the civilization in the north of Peru was a lot more advanced and complex than scientists had expected it.

The uniqueness of this discovery does not only refer to the remarkable age of 4000 years, but also corresponds to the construction of the temple and the usage of bright colours for the mural paintings. Walter Ava points out that the temple was constructed in a very unique way which is quite uncommon for this region. The building fabric is not based on rocks or the typical adobe, but on clay bricks which were gained from the sediments of the close-by lake. Moreover, the alignment of the buildings was done with utter precision. The temple for example is aimed exactly to the north. But most outstanding from this finding are the colourful mural paintings. On one of the images illustrates a deer in a colourful background, which is now known for being the oldest mural painting in South America.

The temple is located in the in Ventarrón, approximately 20 kilometres away from Chiclayo. The region is known for the numerous, archaeological findings. One of the most important discoveries is the tomb of Señor de Sipán, which was also found by Walter Ave in 1987.

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NEW INITIATIVE FOR PROTECTING THE NAZCA-LINES

Since the 15th of October 2007 all visitors, who have booked a flight over the Nazca-Lines, will have to pay an extra sum of 11 Nuevo Sol. This contribution is not only used for financing the daily restoration, but also for protecting, preserving and maintaining the unique geoglyphs which are located in the Nazca desert of Peru. The INC - Ica points out the importance of this extra contribution because for the first time financial resources are at hand for adequate work to be carried out, with and on the Nazca-Lines. The Nazca-Lines are not only lines and triangles but also display certain figures such as people, apes, fishes and birds, which can have a size of ten to a couple of hundred metres. The geoglyphs are a UNESCO World Cultural Site.

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PERULINE CELEBRATES ITS BIRTHDAY

6 years ago, 30th of October 2001, a touristical promotion agency named peruline with headquarter in Lima/Peru was founded. Over the last years, the company grew and today can say from itself - and not without a little bit of pride - to have an already continued existence on the market, a steady rise of partners and is more present in German and Peruvian newspapers than ever. A big part of this success do you have: our Homepage user and news reader as well as all of those that send us e-mails seeking for answers about Peru. We will go on providing you with the latest news and will have an open ear for all your inquiries. Celebrate with us: to 6 years of touristical promotion and information!

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POPULATION CENSUS IN PERU

As we already mentioned in the German edition of our monthly newsletter, last Sunday, 21st of October 2007, the official census of the Peruvian people (and all the strangers within the borders of the country) took place. Recently, we got to know that the first results will be published already in the first quarter of the following year; detailed and complete statistics however, are not to be expected before July 2008. The Peruvian government tries, at least every 10 years, to organize a statistic census of all inhabitants. 100% reachability is the goal - up to 5% of the population that will not be counted, is justifiable.

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LATIN AMERICAN DAY IN HAMBURG

From the 11th to the 12th of October Hamburg is all about Latin America. The Museum of Ethnology in Hamburg has organized the "Latin American Festival". Topics are amongst others the 10th anniversary of the "Latin American Festival" and the 40th obit of Ernesto Che Guevara. On the 11th of October, Peru is going to open the "Latin American Day", which is hosted by the "Lateinamerika-Verein", with the topic "Economy Day Peru" in the Chamber of Commerce in Hamburg. Important representatives of politics and commerce are about to participate in the meeting to discuss and strengthen the intercultural relationship between Germany and Latin America. Ministers from Brazil, Chile, El Salvador, Germany, Panama and Peru are to be expected.

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WORLD TOURISM DAY 2007

Today, the World Tourism Day of the WTO, World Tourism Organization, is addressing women and their role in tourism. The theme of 2007 is: "Tourism Opens Doors for Women". The accomplishments of women in the tourism industry are celebrated and acknowledged. The goal for the future is that the gender equality is further promoted and grievances are depleted. The annual World Tourism Day on the 27th of September covers topics which are recommended by the Executive Council and are then chosen by the WTO assembly. This year the festivity is hosted by Sri Lanka in Bentota and is accompanied by round table discussions.

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FORMER PRESIDENT EXTRADITED

After spending months in custody in Chile former Peruvian president Alberto Fujimori has been extradited on Saturday afternoon, the 22nd of September 2007. The Supreme Court of Justice in Chile decided that Fujimori has to face the Peruvian justice. He is accused of bribing ministers and violating the human rights during his term in office from 1990 to 2000 for which he has to take the responsibility now for. The maximum penalty that Fujimori may face is 35 years in jail. People in Peru appreciated the decision of the Chilean Supreme Court of Justice and are now hoping for a fair conviction. Fujimori fled to Japan in 2000 and abdicated via fax from his presidency after the corruption skandal was made public.

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METEORITE NEAR PUNO

The meteorite which has crashed down on Saturday the 15th of September close to the city of Carancas (near Puno), is still a mystery. Inhabitants were witnesses of the crash and told scientists and journalists that they had seen a fire ball in the sky. Moments later the six meter deep and approximately 30 meter caliber crater was found. As the scientists at the scene conveyed, no radioactive irradiation is radiated. Meteor crashes are nothing unusual for Peru. Just in June 2006 a meteorite crash in the region of Arequipa had been reported. Neither then nor today harm to property or people are reported.

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MORE TOURIST ARRIVALS IN SPITE OF THE EARTHQUAKE

The latest statistic provided by the institute of MINCETUR presents the total number of arrivals at the Jorge Chávez airport in Lima, which shows an increase in arrival by 17.9% in comparison to the year before. Despite of the earthquake from the 15. August 2007, more tourists have visited Peru and the up-coming half year estimation is already expecting an increase of around 13.7%. PromPerú confirmed that and stresses that this development has been achieved due to the intensive national and international tourism campaigns.

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BUSES ARE OPERATING AS USUSAL BETWEEN LIMA, PARACAS AND ICA

The route Lima - Paracas - Ica - Nazca, which has been temporarily closed down due to the earthquake, is used again by the most important bus company, Cruz del Sur, since last Friday. Furthermore the popular boats tours to the Ballestas Islands in the Paracas reservation are carried out again. Most of the hotels in Paracas are working as usual, as it has been reported by the local press. For the reconstruction of the area which is affected by the earthquake, the government has launched the consignment FORSUR.

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TOURISTIC ACTIVITIES RESTART IN PARACAS

After the earthquake from the 15th of August 2007, all reconstruction in the area is in full progress. Experts from the national institute for natural resources INRENA have confirmed that the Ballestas Islands, which are one of the main attractions in the area, have not suffered any damages due to the earthquake. Furthermore the bay of Paracas where the excursions to the Ballestas Islands start, are partly arranged therefore trips by tourists are possible again.
Two major hotel chains, which plan to build a couple of hotel resorts in the bay of Paracas within the next year, have confirmed that the earthquake has not caused any changes to their investment plan.
For the region which is affected by the earthquake, a quick resumption of the tourism activities is of major importance.

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RELIEF ACTION AFTER EARTHQUAKE UNDER WAY

The sad statistics after the earthquake: more than 500 death victims and thousands of people homeless. The search for death and injured persons has been stopped in most parts of the area. Contrary to other news, there is no danger of contagion or epidemic, according to official information, neither in the affected area, nor in the rest of the country.

Relief actions already began shortly after the earthquake on Wednesday evening and will continue further on. In the whole country and in neighboring states, fund-raising is about to reach all inhabitants. Most of all, water, blankets, drugs and groceries are collected. National and international aid organizations and authorities coordinate the distribution of the urgently needed goods into the completely destroyed region around the city of Pisco. Up till now, about 670 tons of relief supplies already reached the region. The next big issue after the humanitarian aid will be the re-construction of the destroyed villages and cities.

If you want to donate, please contact one of the known international organizations such as Red Cross, Misereor or Caritas International that all have their representation and partner agencies in situ and that coordinate the distribution of the goods.

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EXTENT OF DESTRUCTION AFTER EARTHQUAKE

In the course of last night, the number of death victims after the large earthquake of Wednesday rose to 500 and back staff is still searching for survivors in the wreckage.

Up to now (3 pm local time) more than 350 softer aftershocks hit the region - also in Lima, so called "replicas" have been noticed. Out of fear to go back to their houses, a lot of people in those affected areas spend day and night out in the streets. What they need most in those days is, next to fresh drinking water and preserves, blankets and warm clothes. National authorities, churches and private companies as well as a lot of helpers coordinate the distribution of the supply directly. Inhabitants and international organizations are still asked to help as much as they can and donate.

The villages of Pisco, Cañete and Ica have been mostly destroyed. Also the touristical infrastructure is damaged heavily as it can be seen with the example of Hotel Paracas, one of the best hotels in the bay of Paracas and starting point for lots of tourists to excursions to the isles of Ballestas. All guests and staff of the hotel have been evacuated with anticipation. According to the National Institute of Culture, a severe number of archaeological objects and mummies in the museums of Ica and Paracas partly suffered irreparable damages. In the National Reserve of Paracas the famous rocks called "La Catedral" and "El Fraile" have been practically vanished. The Panamericana is damaged at different parts between Chincha and Pisco, reparation works have been started already.

On the contrary, the mystical Nazca-lines, main attraction of the city of Nazca, south of Ica, did not suffer any damage, according to official news. Here, and in the rest of the country of Peru, all touristical activities are functioning back to normal.

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EARTHQUAKE IN PERU

Wednesday, 15 August 2007, at 6.40pm local time, Peru was hit by a large earthquake that had an intensity of 7.5 of scale Richter. The epicenter was located in the ocean at the coast of Pisco, about 150 km south of Lima. The most affected region are the cities of Chincha, Cañete, Pisco and Ica. A large number of houses had been destroyed here. According to information of public health authorities, 300 people died, some hundreds have been injured. The inhabitants of the capital got off lightly as only minor damage was reported. People of other areas of the country felt the earthquake as well but only a few injured or material damage occurred.

At the moment, we recommend to all people traveling to Peru to avoid visiting the region of Ica until all cleanup efforts have been finished. We will keep you updated. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office here in Lima: info@peruline.de

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More tourists in Peru

Latest information confirm that the number of arrivals of international travelers during the month of July was about 114,300 and that this figure means a rise of 18.7% in contrast to the dates of the previous year. All arrivals at International Airport Jorge Chávez in Lima were considered. Besides, first statistics were published that make sure that the total amount of people entering the country (by plane and via frontiers) rose about 13.1% in contrast to 2006. By the end of the year, it is expected to brake through the 1.8 million tourists figure of last year.

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Sudden climate change in Puerto Maldonado

On Wednesday, the 25th of July, heavy rainfall and strong wind surprised the inhabitants of Puerto Maldonado. As a result, all the streets were flooded and the trees were shaken. Electricity supply in this region was cut off for a couple of hours as a safety measure to prevent more damage. By now, everything is under control again but the Sebnamhi (the national service for meteorology) informed that the temperature could decrease in the rain forest and particularly in the south jungle. All this because of the sudden climate change that affects the whole world at the moment.

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End of Tie-up

Yesterday, the strike of the SUTEP against the new teacher evaluation law imposed by the government ended. The seat of the council of the ministers announced that the SUTEP (the Peruvian teachers association) would go on revocation of their strike. The Peruvian teachers association had the intention to deal with the high authorities of the government to come to an agreement. With the negotiations that already started between both authorities, the strike ended and in all schools teaching will start over again, declared the secretary of the SUTEP Luis Muñoz. At yesterdays conversation in the afternoon also prime minister Jorge del Castillo and the education secretary Jose Chang participated. With this negotiation, 14 days of strike with violent confrontations between police and demonstrators ended. Not only tourism was heavily affected, besides, pupils could not attend school for 2 weeks.

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Train to Machu Picchu leaves again

Followers and members of the SUPTEP and other trade unions still are on strike out on the streets to protest against the measures that is the government about to take. In some places, however, blockades already have been stopped by local police. In Cusco and Machu Picchu where lots of tourists had to stop because of the strike, the train service to Machu Picchu started again today and the whole situation is about to get normal again. In Puno, at lake Titicaca, on the contrary, the situation is uncertain and still remains. No flights until unknown.

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Tie-up in Cusco and Puno

Last Thursday, the Peruvian teachers association SUTEP went on strike to protest against the new teacher evaluation law (ley de la carrera magistral). In the whole of the country, it came to blockades on streets and other important trade and travel routes. Especially around Cusco and Puno, the most important streets were blocked by huge stones. The trains from Cusco to Machu Picchu were abandoned today on purpose, in order to guarantee the security of all tourists. In Puno, at lake Titicaca, the airport of Juliaca was occupied and assigned by striking people. In both regions, travelers have to face immense disorders of all types of touristy activity. Police and local activities are having discussions with the striking officials right now.

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Breaking news: Machu Picchu made it!

Much more important for tourism in Peru as the qualification for the soccer-cup South America in Venezuela, was the last Saturday. It was the day, all people of Peru have been waiting for weeks: would THE national sight Machu Picchu enter the list of fhe "Seven New World Wonders"? And it must have been a "miracle" if not! Yes, Machu Picchu made it into the list of the "Seven New World Wonders" and placed itself on a fantastic fourth place after Chichén Itzá, the Jesus-Statue of Rio de Janeiro and the Chinese Wall. We congratulate and want to thank all our readers that voted for Machu Picchu!

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All scheduled flights at the airport in Iquitos operate again

Because of the threat of thousands of turkey vultures that might cause trouble for the landing of airplanes, all the arrivals and departure during the day were closed at the airport Francisco Secada Vigneta two years ago. This situation was originated because of the closer location of the waste dump to the international airport in Iquitos. On Thursday, 5th July the competent national authorities informed the local authorities in Iquito about the actual situation of the airport. They decided to re-allow the operation of all scheduled flights during the day because of the relocation of the waste dump and the decrease of turkey vultures in the mentioned area. All the Airplanes are allowed to landing not only early in the morning or late in the afternoon at the airport in Iquitos, from now on all the scheduled Flights can also operate during the day.

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After one week ended the strike in Pucallpa

After an agreement between the competent authorities, the regional authorities and the demonstrators in the region of Ucayali the strike ended after one week of protest. From now on all scheduled flights operate as usual.

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All scheduled flights fail at Pucallpa airport because of strike

Since the last week all scheduled flights with destiny and departures from and to Pucallpa airport "Capitan Abenzur" are canceled because of the demonstration of hundreds of demonstrators that follow a call for strike in Pucallpa. Leonie Roca, the general manager of all airports in Peru, affirms that all airlines decided to cancel their service because of the threat of the demonstrators to assail the installations of the airport if the scheduled flights still operate. She also said that the last Thursday only one scheduled flight of Star Peru could operated and the police avoided that all the demonstrators entered the terminal of the airport. As a precaution, all the scheduled flights will be canceled until the provincial government of Ucayali and the Defense Front of Ucayali (Fredeu) reach an agreement to stop with this strike.

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Find more news from the last months in our archives of 2005 - 2006 - 2007