Peru to revoke laws after Amazon clashes

The Amazonian indigenous groups have been on strike for more than two months to demand the repeal of laws that gave foreign investors access to the Amazon's mineral wealth and forests. The laws were enacted without any consultation with indigenous tribes.

The two months of unrest was followed by violence last week, in which at least 34 people were killed.

The Prime Minister signed a pact with tribal leaders in the jungle city of San Ramon that included a promise to present a bill in Congress by Thursday that would strike down legislative decrees 1090 and 1064, state news agency Andina reported.

Tribes said they would call off lingering protests if the laws, which they fear would speed destruction of the Amazon, are overturned.

Prime Minister Yehude Simon held talks with indigenous leaders in the town of San Ramon in Junin province. He also announced the immediate lifting of the state of emergency in the Amazon region.

In return for the new concessions, the Amazonian tribes will end their blockades of key roads and rivers, their leaders said.