Peru’s Daily News: October 28

Peru and Panama to increase trade

Peru and Panama will increase trade when the new Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed by both countries becomes operational in 2012.

Peru and Panama seek to increase trade unde the new Free Trade Agreement. Photo credit: SXC.hu.

Peru could take advantage of trading fresh produce in Panama with preferential tariffs under the new agreement.

It is possible that a free trade zone could be established where Peruvian products can be distributed to Asia, Europe and North America.

Concurrently, Panama has its eyes set on Peruvian investments in the financial sector – banking, insurance, bonds, infrastructure and logistics.

Peru to reopen probe into forced sterilizations

Peru’s new government formed the InterAmerican Commission of Human Rights, who have now reopened an investigation of forced sterilizations through the chief prosecutor’s office.

Thousands of women were forcibly sterilized during Fujimori’s government from 1990 to 2000.

Human rights activists reportedly have proof of 2000 women who were sterilized, though many believe the number of cases is much higher. Many of the victims lived in rural areas.

Alberto Fujimori is currently serving a 25-year sentence for corruption and human rights abuses.

Peruvian vice president quits corruption committee

One of Peru’s vice presidents, Omar Chehade, has stepped down from a congressional committee which will investigate corruption in the previous government.

Chehade is facing corruption allegations himself, for allegedly aiding companies to broker business deals and contracts through government. He has denied the accusations.

He stated in a letter to the president of congress that his resignation was irreversible and for personal reasons.