Peru Protests: High-Level Talks Amid Deepening Crisis

Authorities in Peru have held high-level talks to try to resolve a deepening political crisis triggered by the ousting of the former president.

The Council of State, the body made up of representatives of all branches of power, and church leaders had a three-hour meeting in the capital, Lima.

Earlier, two government ministers resigned, following days of violent protests over the ‘impeachment’ of Pedro Castillo on 7 December.

More than 20 people have been killed.

After the meeting on Friday evening, the head of the National Board of Justice, José Ávila, called on Peruvians to ‘avoid violence’ and engage in ‘peaceful dialogue’ with the authorities.

He said government ministers would be travelling to the areas where people were protesting, in order to promote such a dialogue.

The new President, Dina Boluarte, gave no statement to the press.

“In another development, thousands of tourists are trapped in the south-eastern city of Cusco after protesters forced the local airport to close.”

Peru has been through years of political turmoil, with the latest crisis coming to a head when Mr Castillo announced he was ‘dissolving Congress and introducing a state of emergency.’

However, ”his plan backfired and Congress instead voted overwhelmingly to impeach him.” Mr Castillo, who is currently in “detention,” is being investigated on charges of rebellion and conspiracy.

He denies all the accusation, insisting that is still the country’s legitimate president.

Demonstrators are calling for the closure of Congress, the resignation of Ms Boluarte and early elections. On Friday, Congress voted against a proposal to bring elections forward to next year.

BBC /Shakirat Sadiq