The High Level Mission of the Organization of American States (OAS), which is visiting Peru to analyze the democratic situation in the country, has called on political actors to resolve the democratic situation in the country.
After concluding its second day of meetings in the Latin American state, the OAS group has urged all parties in the political crisis facing the country that their actions be framed within the framework of respect for the rule of law, as detailed in a statement.
Likewise, the OAS has expressed its willingness to provide support and cooperation, at the request of the Peruvian Executive, through efforts to promote dialogue and the strengthening of its democratic system of government.
The mission must now prepare a report with the corresponding analysis to be presented as soon as possible to the Permanent Council of the Organization, at its headquarters in Washington DC.
While the report is being prepared in a timely manner, the mission will continue to monitor the situation and remains at the disposal of all stakeholders.
Nevertheless, the group has thanked all the actors with whom it has met in the last 48 hours for their «willingness and constructive spirit» to share information and their views on the situation in Peru.
MEETING WITH JOURNALISTS AND CLERGY Meanwhile, on Tuesday the mission met with journalists and clergy, who shared their opinions on the political situation facing the Latin American country.
Specifically, the OAS High Level Group met with members of the National Association of Journalists (ANP) and the Peruvian Association of Journalists, who stressed before the inter-American organization that the press has been the target of denunciations and aggressions in the country, reported Andina news agency.
According to the journalists’ representatives, there have been 19 aggressions against journalists in the Lima region alone so far this year, 70 nationwide.
In this sense, they have stated that the situation of freedom of the press in Peru «is going through its most difficult moments» and that it has not been exercised as such since the beginning of the last period of government.
On the other hand, the OAS mission also met with the Peruvian Episcopal Conference (CEP) and its president, Miguel Cabrejos, who stressed to the organization his intention to help the country to overcome the political crisis it is facing.
After the meeting, Cabrejos emphasized «the great capacity» of listening of the OAS High Level Group, according to the above mentioned agency.
Previously, the OAS has also held meetings with the president of the National Jury of Elections (JNE), Jorge Luis Salas Arenas; and the head of the National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE), Piero Corvetto, among others.
In mid-October, the OAS Permanent Council decided to send a high-level delegation to Peru to analyze the political situation in the Andean country at the request of President Castillo himself.
The Peruvian Executive formally requested the organization to activate Articles 17 and 18 of the Democratic Charter with which the organization may provide assistance when «the government of a member state considers that its democratic political institutional process or its legitimate exercise of power is at risk».
