US military exercise Swift Response 2015, Germany. Photo: US Army 75th Ranger Regiment.
The Congress of Peru approved the resolution, presented by the presidency, allowing Dina Boluarte’s government to authorize the entry of military personnel and high-caliber military equipment from the United States in order to “provide security” in the context of the Asia-Pacific Economic Summit (APEC).
“With 63 votes in favor, the Congress approved Legislative Resolution 9,307, which proposes to authorize the entry of military personnel from the United States of America, with weapons of war, into the territory of the Republic of Peru,” the Peruvian Congress announced on Thursday, October 31.
#Perú Con 63 votos a favor, el Congreso aprobó el Proyecto de Resolución Legislativa 9307, que autorizan el ingreso de 600 militares de los Estados Unidos, con armas de guerra, aviones y helicópteros al territorio de la República @teleSURtv pic.twitter.com/F58hH4fmcT
— JAIME HERRERA (@JaimeHerreraCaj) October 31, 2024
Provide security at the APEC Summit or suppress protesters against Boluarte?
The Peruvian Congress noted that the period of authorization for the US troops in Peru will be from November 4 to 24, 2024, with the purpose of “carrying out security support activities before, during, and after the APEC Summit.”
The purpose has, however, been called into question, as it will occur during a 72-hour general strike in Peru against Boluarte’s administration.
“The APEC summit is coming up, and along with it, a 72-hour strike that promises to be significant. Suddenly, President Boluarte and her prime minister request authorization for the entry of foreign military troops with war weapons,” Telesur correspondent Jaime Herrera noted on X.
There are legitimate worries that the weaponry and foreign troops could be used against the protestors and not simply for security purposes at the APEC Summit.
Leftist parliamentarian: Entry of US troops signifies risk for Peru
Consulted on the matter, Congressman Guillermo Bermejo stated that there has been a permanent US military presence in Peru for three decades, which puts Peru in an “unacceptable neocolonial condition.”
Bermejo emphasized that the presence of US soldiers in Peru constitutes a risk, as these military personnel “do not answer for any aggression or abuse” that they commit. According to him, a sufficient reason for not allowing US troops to enter Peru should be the risk posed by having foreign military personnel who will not be held accountable for any act of injustice.
(Telesur)
Translation: Orinoco Tribune
OT/SC/SF
