President Alejandro Toledo of Peru has placed his country under a 30-day state of emergency in an attempt to cope with widespread strikes, which he says are violating the fundamental rights of all Peruvians.
In a nationally broadcast speech Mr Toledo, 56, said the armed forces would be in charge of "the country's internal security," during the emergency period, adding that the police would also contribute to maintaining law and order.
Mr Toledo said the government had ordered all public schools in the country to open and all roadblocks to be cleared so traffic can flow unimpeded.
Eight million children have been out of school for two weeks with teachers on an indefinite strike for higher wages.
On Monday, farmers around the country joined the strike and were followed yesterday by doctors and nurses in state-run hospitals.
Farmers have blocked main roadways sometimes with rocks, logs and flaming tires since the start of the week and have clashed with police on several occasions.
It is the second time since taking office in July 2001 thatMr Toledo has declared a state of emergency. In July of 2002, heimposed the measure on southern Arequipa department for 30 days toquell street protests over the privatization of twostate-owned utility companies - which Mr Toledo had promised wouldnever happen when he was elected.
Similarly, some 280,000 public school teachers went on strike 16 days ago, saying Mr Toledo had broken his campaign promise to doubletheir salaries - they have increased only by half since Toledo became president. Thousands of teachers have staged daily street marches all over the country to drive home their demands.
Shortly after Mr Toledo made his announcement, Education Secretary Gerardo Ayzanoa went on the public airways to declare the teachers' strike illegal and order all non-union educators to returnto work today.
Earlier yesterday, before the state of emergency was decreed, police tore down a makeshift camp some 500 teachers had set up outside Congress almost a week ago.
Many farmers are complaining against what they consider abusive and unfair government tax rates. They are demanding an end to all taxes on staple food items and a general tax reform.
Under the state of emergency, constitutional guarantees including the right to assembly, privacy, protest and freedom of movement have been suspended for 30 days starting today.
AFP