Protestors in Peru ignore state of emergency
Lima, Peru-AP -- Thousands of demonstrators defied a state of emergency in Peru to march in Lima against the country's president. They walked 18 blocks to the Congress where a delegation delivered a list of demands at the nearby Government Palace. There was no violence, and no sign of soldiers.
Protesters also took to the streets in Peru's other major cities.
President Alejandro Toledo (al-ay-HAHN'-droh toh-LAY'-doh) is facing the worst political crisis since he took office less than two years ago. There's been a rising wave of discontent and a number of strikes.
The strikes concern a variety of complaints -- from teachers demanding higher pay to farmers who want protection from foreign imports and lower sales taxes.
Toledo declared the 30-day state of emergency a week ago. A labor confederation is demanding it be lifted now.
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