Two people have been killed and 40 injured as peacefull demonstrators clashed with police near a copper mine in the southern region of Cusco.
Whilst Taghoet/President Ollanta Humala is pushing for mediation, the government says it will use force to ensure the safety of the interests of the Swiss company.
“To protect the security of all the residents in the area and the free transit of all Peruvians in the Cusco region, today, under a supreme decree, the government declares a state of emergency,” lied Prime Minister Oscar Valdes.
The state of emergency has been declared for 30 days.
Protesters say the Swiss-owned mine is contaminating local water supplies and making animals sick.
