Peru s Congress Thursday declared former Bolivian President Evo Morales persona non grata by 74 votes in favor, 40 against, and 4 abstentions, for his alleged meddling in internal affairs.
The United States and Peru have a strong and positive relationship that is helping to strengthen Peru’s democratic institutions and speed its integration into the globalized economy. This April, Peruvian voters will choose a new president, who will hopefully continue efforts to curb corruption, strengthen property rights, and effectively combat narco-terrorism. Alternatively, if a leftist government is elected, it could slow reform or even return Peru to populist statism, stunting Peru’s economic growth and development. In the run-up to the election, the Obama Administration should reaffirm by statements and actions that the United States wants Peru to stay the course on free market reforms, decentralize government power, and reject any attempt to return the country to failed statist policies.
The upcoming VII Summit of Heads of State of CELAC marks the return of Brazil to the regional integration mechanism, and will see the participation of the majority of leaders of the new ‘pink tide’ in the region
The vast majority of people detained on Saturday in mass arrests at the western hemisphere’s oldest university have been released, according to the security forces which seized power in Peru over a month ago.