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US Marines and troops to Carry Guns and be fully armed in Peru well helping build..

Lima, (Prensa Latina) The Peruvian government tacitly admitted the possibility that the US troops to be deployed in the central region of Ayacucho fight irregular forces acting in the area.

Defense Minister Antero Flores-Araoz tried to justify that foreign troops carry assault rifles, responding to criticisms by opposition Peruvian Nationalist Party (PNP) leader Ollanta Humala, who recalled that according to the law, only Peruvian soldiers can carry such weapons within the country.

The minister told Andina news agency that the presence of armed groups in the Ayacucho region may force US soldiers to carry guns for their own protection.

The government has stated that foreign troops are coming to construct water wells and classrooms.

Humala noted that such mission does not justify American soldiers carrying guns. He pointed out that Peruvian engineers and constructors can do those works.

The entry of US troops to Peru was approved by he ruling party and conservative groups in Congress, which also accepted the entrance of military groups to Ayacucho between last May and next September.

The PNP parliamentary group has denounced that the government and most of legislative majority had passed some 30 entry permissions for US soldiers between 2007 and this year.

They fear it might be related to the possibility of creating a US military base in Peruvian territory.

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By CanadaMan on Jun 5, 2008, 23:35 in Peru forum.

CanadaMan says on Jun 6, 2008, 00:55:

Here is a follow up story from an American Military point of view..

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Servicemembers take humanitarian mission to Peru

"The task force is scheduled to construct two schools, three clinics and two water wells plus provide medical and dental care for up to 15,000 Peruvians".

by Tech. Sgt. Kerry Jackson
Task Force New Horizons-Peru Public Affairs

6/5/2008 - HUAMANGA, Peru (AFPN) -- Air Force, Army, Marine and Navy servicemembers arrived here June 1 to kick off New Horizons Peru 2008, a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored humanitarian event that will benefit thousands of Peruvians in the Ayacucho area.

One hundred and thirty-nine members traveled to Ayacucho, an Andean region located in southern Peru, over the weekend to join task force members who arrived throughout late April and May to establish the base camp located outside of Huamanga, Peru.

The humanitarian mission, scheduled to run through Aug. 31, is an opportunity for the more than 990 U.S. servicemembers and their Peruvian counterparts to assist underprivileged Peruvian communities with expert medical care and robust construction projects while strengthening the bonds of friendship through teamwork and mutual respect.

"Our team has a lot of energy and enthusiasm, and they feel privileged to support this program alongside our Peruvian partners," said Maj. Matt Joganich, the Task Force New Horizons-Peru commander. "They understand the quality-of-life value of the construction and medical projects, but they are really excited to make friendships with the people of Peru."

The task force is scheduled to construct two schools, three clinics and two water wells. Each new clinic will have the capacity to serve 5,000 Peruvians, and the new schools will have the capacity to seat 120 students. Each new well drilled will provide fresh water for approximately 700 Peruvian citizens.

More than 15, 000 Peruvians are expected to be cared for by three military medical teams, who will perform three separate medical missions. The teams will offer dentistry, dermatology, gynecology, internal medicine, optometry and pediatrics.

The New Horizons project will cost approximately $12 million dollars; including planning, transportation and logistics costs. Three million dollars will be spent on local Peruvian contractors, construction materials, food and other expenses. Additionally, engineers, doctors, nurses, and other support personnel will perform 240,000 man hours to support the humanitarian mission.

The 820th RED HORSE Squadron will lead this project with the help of the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, who will contribute their skills in construction, base support and medical operations.

Peruvian Army Col. Denys Diaz, Director of Technical and International Cooperation and Director to the Development of Assistance, has been a major advocate for this partnered effort.

"I am looking forward to many more opportunities to work with U.S. again in the future," said Colonel Diaz. "Their generosity is well received."

New Horizon projects are the physical manifestation of U.S. SOUTHCOM's commitment to enhancing cooperation with the people of Peru and partner nations in Latin America and the Caribbean. Seven additional New Horizons exercises are scheduled to take place this year in Honduras, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Belize, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala and Panama.

http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123101481

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Formerly WidowerfromCanada...I am engaged to a wonderful Peruviana.

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