Amazon Indians warn of further protests

Peruvian Amazon Indian leaders are warning of renewed protests, alleging that the government has not honoured promises made in the aftermath of June violence that left at least 23 police and 10 Indians dead. Indian leader Salomon Awananch accused the government of blocking the formation of an independent truth commission to investigate the June violence. The government agreed to the commission more than two months ago but has not appointed its representative, he said. Calls to President Alan García's cabinet chief, who is leading negotiations, were unsuccessful.Talks "haven't advanced at all. It seems they lack the good will" to resolve the conflict, said Awananch, a member of confederation's national council. Awananch is a leader of the Awajún people, who suffered 10 deaths during the June 5 government crackdown at an Amazon highway blockade manned by Indians protesting development on their ancestral lands. Twenty-three police were killed in the ensuing violence. Indians say police opened fire with assault rifles on some 800 protesters bearing spears and rocks, but García's government says Indians with firearms initiated the violence.