Скачать или смотреть PERU: LIMA: POLICE CONFRONT STUDENT DEMONSTRATORS

(23 Jul 1997) Spanish/Nat

Police on Tuesday confronted one thousand angry students marching through Peru's capital Lima in protest at the state's withdrawal of half-price travel concessions.

The demonstrators marched on Congress and met with political representatives there, despite efforts by police to disperse them.

The incident follows two weeks of civil unrest in which thousands took part, calling for the resignation of President Alberto Fujimori.

Peru's capital, Lima, once again witnessed angry demonstrations when a thousand students took to the streets on Tuesday.

The students marched on Congress protesting their right to special travel concessions which were to have been withdrawn at the end of July.

Police were at the scene and attempts were made to disperse the crowd using armoured trucks firing water guns.

But the march continued undeterred.

Peru's student population has, for years, enjoyed half-price travel concessions which afford most youngsters easier access to education.

The financial cost incurred by those who benefit brought about the decision, issued by the Ministry of Transport and Peru's Federation of Drivers, to end the privilege.

It touched on a sensitive issue.

SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
"The main demand is that we, that the right to half-price travel concessions is not taken away from us. It is our fundamental right, that we are asking the Ministry of Education to co-ordinate with the Ministry of Transport so that our right to half-price travel concessions...that they respect us, do you follow me? That they respect us."
SUPER CAPTION: Manuel Corpancho, student

The demonstrators arrived at Congress where they met with various representatives to make their case heard.

Government officials have agreed to extend travel concessions by a month, to 30 August, but no further.

Some members of Congress offered their support.

Public outrage against government policies has become a regular occurrence in recent weeks as President Alberto Fujimori's population slumps to an all time low.

Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork
Twitter:   / ap_archive  
Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​
Instagram:   / apnews  


You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...