Peru's President Garcia Widely Criticized For Refusing To Sign Indigenous Rights Legislation Into Law http://bit.ly/clbrvA

President Alan Garcia refused to sign a historic new law that would have recognized Peru's international obligation to consult with indigenous peoples before proceeding with resource extraction projects that affect them. Despite broad appeal from the International Labor Organization of the United Nations, human rights groups and indigenous organizations, Garcia sent back the law to Congress with his objections just before the deadline late on Monday night.   "President Garcia has missed a huge opportunity to show Peruvians and the world that his government is willing to respect indigenous peoples rights and willing to bring Peru closer in line with international norms," commented Atossa Soltani, Executive Director of Amazon Watch. "Garcia has taken another step backwards in repairing relations with indigenous peoples and demonstrated yet again his administration's deeply troubling policies towards the country's original inhabitants."

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