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Lima, Peru  |  Wednesday 07 January 2009 08:35  |  | 

Latest News in Peru

  
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Transportation | 6 January, 2009 [ 19:50 ]

Peru mayor explains reorganization of bus routes


Living in Peru
Israel Ruiz

Not only will the municipality change routes vans are currently taking, it will install new traffic lights, build bus stops and fix streets, explained the mayor of Miraflores Manuel Masías in response to protests that began on Monday morning.

While transportation workers blocked a roundabout in the heart of the district, affecting traffic on three main avenues, Mayor Masías assured that new traffic lights were going to be installed by the end of the month and work on seventy new bus stops would begin.

Masías stated that municipal workers hoped to have established the new routes vans will have to take by January 21 so that it could also be decided where the new bus stops would be built.

"The positive thing about the redistribution of routes is that it has made 750 public transportation vehicles take new roads in the district," said Masías, stating traffic was being reorganized in the entire district.

The mayor assured that the municipality's doors were open to citizens that supported the reorganization of bus routes as well as to those that were not in favor.


Have other topics you'd like to see in our news section? If you or someone you know would like to contribute a news article to Living in Peru, whether it's translated or based on a personal investigation, send it to editor@livinginperu.com.

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Food | 6 January, 2009 [ 14:23 ]

Flavors of Peru now launching catering operation in New York Metro area


Entrepreneur Edgar Perez presented last quarter three fantastic evenings of upscale dining, Peru Grand Tasting Fall 2008, to audiences in New York (Nov. 5th), Boston (Nov. 12th) and Washington, DC (Nov. 19th).

Mr. Perez is now pleased to launch Flavors of Peru Catering serving the New York Metro Area. Flavors of Peru will execute their clients' events with the utmost of style and sophistication, providing the best Peruvian Flavors to impress their guests with what Chef Todd English has called the 'Next Great Cuisine' and considered among the Top 10 Food Trends for 2009 by the editors of Epicurious.

Our chefs will pay their unique attention to any catering requirement clients may have. Flavors of Peru invites clients to explore their website, www.flavorsofperu.com, and send an email to eperez@flavorsofperu.com for more information.

Additionally, Mr. Perez manages Facebook group 'Support Edgar's quest to transform Peruvian dining in New York City!' to promote his Flavors of Peru offerings and events.

One grateful client states, 'We have waited a long time to experience the best of Peruvian cuisine! I was thrilled to be able to experience for the first time authentic Peruvian ceviche, perfectly poured Pisco Sours, and a wonderful performance of Peruvian dance.'

Another one adds: 'I thoroughly enjoyed each dish! I could not put my fork down when tasting the Lomo Saltado. My taste buds are looking forward to another installment of this kind, while my heart can't stop dreaming about Peru!'

Whether one has previously enjoyed the delectable flavors, sounds, and smells of Peruvian culinary creations or is completely new to the Flavors of Peru Catering experience, their events promise to remain among each guest's most treasured culinary experiences.

Official press release

Have other topics you'd like to see in our news section? If you or someone you know would like to contribute a news article to Living in Peru, whether it's translated or based on a personal investigation, send it to editor@livinginperu.com.


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Agriculture | 6 January, 2009 [ 14:07 ]

Water services cannot be privatized in Peru


Living in Peru
Israel Ruiz

In an interview with RPP radio, Carlos Leytón, Peru's minister of agriculture, affirmed that water services could not be privatized in the Andean country.

He affirmed water was a very important resource for the development of society that was increasingly becoming scarce because of problems with climate change.

"What is completely clear is that there is now way to privatize the provision of water because according to the constitution water is a public good, it belongs to the State and the State administers it for domestic, agricultural and mining uses," said the minister.

He explained that the State was responsible for issuing licenses so that water could be used for projects.

On the other hand, the minister said the government was working on plans to make it possible for public and private companies to manage equipment and infrastructure used for watering and irrigating.

Leytón noted that dams and canals are currently run by government projects such as Pasto Grande, Majes and Olmos.

He explained there were proposals to make it possible to hand the administration of these assets to private companies.


Have other topics you'd like to see in our news section? If you or someone you know would like to contribute a news article to Living in Peru, whether it's translated or based on a personal investigation, send it to editor@livinginperu.com.

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Travel and Tourism | 6 January, 2009 [ 12:09 ]

Extra train fees charged in Cusco, Peru declared unfair


Living in Peru
Israel Ruiz

Extra Cusco train fees unfair

After it was known that the municipality of Ollantaytambo in Cusco was charging tourists - foreign and national - for using trains to get to Aguas Calientes, authorities have taken notice and declared the extra fee is unfair and unconstitutional. Marco Marroquín, head of INDECOPI-Cusco, the region's consumer protection agency, affirmed that the fare was unfair and would not be permitted.

It was reported that Marroquín wrote a letter to the mayor of Ollantaytambo, Wilfredo Baca to resolve the matter. Beginning last weekend, the municipality of Ollantaytambo started charging a toll of $1 to foreign tourists and 1 sol to national ones for using the train tracks.


Flights in Peru to increase

Carlos Palacín, former head of the Peruvian Association of Domestic Airlines predicted that airline flights within Peru would increase 15 percent this year. "Even though the situation is still uncertain and airlines are facing certain difficulties, it is hoped that Peruvians will continue to frequently use the airlines," said Palacín, explaining that airline use had increased 18 percent in 2008.


Have other topics you'd like to see in our news section? If you or someone you know would like to contribute a news article to Living in Peru, whether it's translated or based on a personal investigation, send it to editor@livinginperu.com.

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Law and Order | 6 January, 2009 [ 11:31 ]

Peru police confiscate 14 tons of cigarettes


Living in Peru
Israel Ruiz

A shipment of over 14 tons of cigarettes was confiscated on Monday by contraband prevention agents at a Peru port west of Lima.

The Andean country's tax regulatory agency reported that the shipment of illegal cigarettes had come from China and was unloaded at Callao port.

Authorities explained that criminals attempted to smuggle the cigarettes into Peru by labeling the shipment as a load of glass cups and a variety of ceramics.

It was the importation of these products that raised the suspicion of contraband prevention police. Officers stated that glass cups and ceramics are produced at very cheap prices in Peru and it was uncommon to see them being imported into the nation.

It was at this time the shipment was inspected and the 1,200 boxes of cigarettes were found.


Have other topics you'd like to see in our news section? If you or someone you know would like to contribute a news article to Living in Peru, whether it's translated or based on a personal investigation, send it to editor@livinginperu.com.

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TV/Entertainment | 6 January, 2009 [ 10:55 ]

Peru: Magaly Medina in "See you later" show


Living in Peru
Israel Ruiz

After 76 days of being incarcerated in a women's prison for defamation charges, gossip journalist Magaly Medina gave a farewell show on Monday evening.

Head of public relations for ATV television station, Gonzalo Von Hesse explained that Medina would appear in one show on January 5 and then take a well-deserved break. "She will basically thank the people that have supported her during this time," said Von Hesse.

Before the show he told RPP radio, "Magaly wants to talk to her people, to express how she feels, what has happened and what is to come in the future. She'll speak about the cards, phone calls, e-mails, prayer chains and encouragement she has received."

Once the show began, the highly controversial host affirmed prison had changed her. "I'm not the same Magaly, prison has marked me...If the supreme court orders me to take back my statements then I'll do it," said Medina on the verge of tears.

Wearing a red dress knit by one of the inmates at Santa Monica prison, the gossip journalist affirmed that while prison had had a tremendous impact on her and her producer, she had not been able to cry. "It's as if my heart is frozen," said Medina.

She explained she needed to take a break from the show to recover physically and emotionally. "This isn't goodbye, it's just a brief see you later," said Magaly.


Have other topics you'd like to see in our news section? If you or someone you know would like to contribute a news article to Living in Peru, whether it's translated or based on a personal investigation, send it to editor@livinginperu.com.

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Travel and Tourism | 5 January, 2009 [ 17:47 ]

Peru tourism promotion agency: 2009 to be a tough year


Living in Peru
Israel Ruiz

2009 to be a tough year for Peru

In an extensive article published in El Comercio newspaper, Mara Seminario, head of Peru's tourism Promotion Agency affirmed that 2009 would be a tough year. She explained that for this reason Prom-Peru had not released its estimates on how many tourists it expected to arrive to the Andean country during 2009. The number of foreign visitors that came to Peru in 2008 surpassed 2 million, a 17 percent increase when compared to the previous year.


Majority of Peru's tourists come from Chile

Records released by Peru's state-run tourism agency showed that 25 percent of the country's foreign visitors came from Chile. It was noted that this number of foreign tourists was much greater than the 17 percent that came from the United States. Representatives explained that this 25 percent that came from Chile included Peruvians that had moved to the country and become Chilean for work-related reasons. Experts explained that these expats were considered in statistics and had most likely reentered the country to visit family members.

Tourists surprised by Cusco train fare

Tourists traveling last weekend by train from the town of Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes were surprised when they were charged a fee by the municipality when they were to board. While Peruvians were charged 1 sol, foreign tourists were charged $1. Many visitors complained affirming they had paid for packages which covered transportation fares and had not been told of this fee. Marco Ochoa, head of Cusco's tourism agency stated he was troubled by the matter and explained he had not been informed of the additional fare being charged by the municipality of Ollantaytambo.


Have other topics you'd like to see in our news section? If you or someone you know would like to contribute a news article to Living in Peru, whether it's translated or based on a personal investigation, send it to editor@livinginperu.com.

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Transportation | 5 January, 2009 [ 12:04 ]

Peru transportation workers block roads in touristic Miraflores


Living in Peru
Israel Ruiz

Public transportation workers have taken to the streets of Lima once again. This time they have overrun main roads in one of Peru's most touristic districts, Miraflores.

Early this morning, dozens of bus and van drives blocked the main roads around Ovalo Miraflores, a large roundabout in the heart of the district's touristic area.

Transportation workers are protesting the Municipality's recent decision to change routes running down Pardo Avenue.

Bus drivers along with their helpers (the men that charge the bus fare) have blocked several roads running through the district and attracted the presence of a group of police officers.

By protesting around the roundabout, motorists were unable to use Ricardo Palma Avenue, Diagonal Avenue and Larco Avenue.

"They are hurting us economically and hurting commuters that have been taking this route for 15 years," said a van driver interviewed by the media.

He angrily affirmed that the municipality had not consulted with commuters or transportation workers before making its decision.

Other workers affirmed that the mayor of Miraflores, Manuel Masías was behaving like a dictator. Furthermore, Masías was accused of favoring several bus companies over others.

Have other topics you'd like to see in our news section? If you or someone you know would like to contribute a news article to Living in Peru, whether it's translated or based on a personal investigation, send it to editor@livinginperu.com.


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Law and Order | 5 January, 2009 [ 11:37 ]

Peru top Latin American country reducing production of coca plant


Living in Peru
Israel Ruiz

Peru is the country in Latin America which has been the most consistent in its reduction of coca growing fields, reported Flavio Mirella, the Peru representative for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

Mirella noted that while the production of coca in many countries in the region was progressively rising, in Peru the trend was different.

The UN representative commended Peru for having concrete policies that were aimed at fighting the production of coca leaves. He stated that firm laws were being passed by the government and that local and regional authorities were effectively working together.

Furthermore, Mirella explained that it was necessary for the countries funding the war on drugs to also assume active roles. "Peru can't be left alone because it has shown good signs of progress."

He assured there was a higher demand for cocaine in areas such as Europe, affirming it was necessary for authorities in nations that consume and produce drugs to work together and cooperate in the fight against illegal substances.

Have other topics you'd like to see in our news section? If you or someone you know would like to contribute a news article to Living in Peru, whether it's translated or based on a personal investigation, send it to editor@livinginperu.com.


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Politics | 5 January, 2009 [ 10:51 ]

Garcia administration criticized for raise in Peru ministers salary


Living in Peru
Israel Ruiz

Alan Garcia's administration was harshly criticized on Sunday after it was announced that the monthly pay for his cabinet members would be increased.

According to estimates made by El Comercio newspaper, a minister's salary will rise from 15,600 soles to 22,800 soles per month.

When asked about this increase in pay, Environment Minister Antonio Brack affirmed it had been Alan Garcia's idea because "being a minister means being dedicated to the job 24 hours a day".

Brack explained ministers were at a disadvantage because they were so busy they couldn't hold another job to make extra money.

"We didn't ask for this raise," said Brack to RPP news radio, affirming that many ministers were on tight budgets and had received job offers where they could make two or three times as much money.

Prime Minister Yehude Simon agreed, stating this increase in pay would keep qualified professionals from leaving their jobs and serving Peru.

"This is an insult to the Peru's poor," said Congressman Isaac Mekler, pointing out that retired citizens were receiving 250 soles per month. He also noted that the government had recently denied doctors, police officers and construction workers an increase in their pay.

Have other topics you'd like to see in our news section? If you or someone you know would like to contribute a news article to Living in Peru, whether it's translated or based on a personal investigation, send it to editor@livinginperu.com.

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