Risk of transportation disruption throughout Peru

There is an increased risk of transportation disruptions and civil unrest throughout Peru, especially in Lima, on 9 July 2008 as members of the General Confederation of Peruvian Workers (CGTP) will observe a nationwide strike to protest President Alan Garcia's free market policies. In Lima, transportation disruptions are likely to occur around Parque del Trabajo, Mercado de Caqueta, Carcamo, Avenida Colonial, Plaza Bolognesi, Campo de Marte and Plaza Manco Copac. Since 0800 local time, protesters have been gathering at Plaza de Mayo, where a speech will be delivered at 1300 local time. The government has deployed the military to help protect government property during the strike. Already on 8 July farmers began blocking traffic in the country's interior and closed rail services to Machu Picchu. Some of the roads that continue to be blocked are Ayacucho, Cuzco, Puno and Huaraz. The main rail company that runs to Machu Picchu, Peru's top tourist destination, said it was stopping service until 10 July because of security concerns related to the strike.