The following article is abridged from a June 26 post on http://peruanista.blogspot.com. The full article, along with a series of videos on the struggle, can be found at http://links.org.au.
The following article is abridged from a June 26 post on http://peruanista.blogspot.com. The full article, along with a series of videos on the struggle, can be found at http://links.org.au.
For 18 months the people of the Moquegua region (south-eastern Peru) and the mining workers from that region have been seeking peaceful negotiations with the Peruvian government in Lima.
The Moqueguanos were trying to lobby against a bill in Congress, which could mean a reduction in the royalties paid by foreign mining companies that are very important for the Moquegua region. But workers were ignored.
So it was clear for the more than 22,000 people of Moquegua — they are not delinquents as the press in Lima has called them — that their protest was necessary and legitimate. They began a hunger strike and blockade of a national highway on June 11.
The violence from the government was the result of the negligence and arrogance of President Alan Garcia's administration and Peru's right-wing politicians. They have attacked workers who are fighting for their legitimate interests with tear gas. More than 30 people were wounded, including children.
Miners working for Southern Copper Corporation started a 48-hour strike on June 19 calling for better wages and against the reduction of mining royalties. They also announced another strike for June 23. The Federation of Miners of Peru, which represents about 28,000 miners and 70 unions, announced a nationwide strike for June 30 to demand that Congress pass a separate law to improve pensions, labour rights for subcontractors and a greater participation in the company's profits.
On June 26, Garcia ordered an attack that included bombings and shootings, but it failed to defeat the 20,000 people who had blocked streets and roads of this mining town located in a beautiful and peaceful valley.
At the head of 700 police, General Alberto Jordan received clear orders from Lima to shoot people executiont-style. Instead, he ordered his troops to do the same. Jordan and 63 other officers were taken hostage by the Moqueguanos, but they were all freed when the Garcia administration agreed to negotiate.
After the courageous response of the Moqueguan people, and under huge pressure from non-government organisations and human rights advocates, the Peruvian goverment had to accept a dialogue with the protesters. Finally, after a 14-hour long session, both parties signed an eight-point agreement that met the goals set by the people of Moquegua.