US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken called on newly appointed President of Peru Dina Boulart to focus on reform and reconciliation in the country.
“Secretary Blinken urged Peruvian institutions and civil authorities to redouble their efforts to carry out necessary reforms and protect democratic stability,” the US State Department said, in a statement posted Sunday on its website.
This came in a telephone conversation that the US Secretary of State had with the current President of Peru on December 16, according to the same statement.
“Washington looks forward to working closely with President Boulart on shared goals and values related to democracy, human rights, security, anti-corruption, and economic prosperity,” the statement continued.
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He stressed the need for all Peruvian parties to engage in “constructive dialogue to ease political divisions and focus on reconciliation.”
The death toll from the protests in Peru since President Pedro Castillo was removed from office on December 7 has risen to 23.
Peru recently declared a state of emergency throughout the country for a period of 30 days, following confrontations between the police and protesters in several areas, against the backdrop of Castillo’s isolation and imprisonment.
The demonstrators are calling for the resignation of the new President of Peru, Dina Boulart, the dissolution of parliament, and the setting of a date for new elections.
Calls for Castillo’s immediate release also increased, after the Supreme Court ruled, Thursday, that he will remain in detention for 18 months as he faces charges of “rebellion and conspiracy”.
