Months of protest from indigenous peoples of the Amazon regions of Peru ended in mid-June when the Peruvian congress overturned two contentious laws that were to encourage foreign investment in energy development of the Amazon.

The 10 months of protests ended after a violent clash between police and protesters on June 5 which resulted in at least 34 deaths. President Garcia apologized and asked congress to reconsider the plans.

Other demonstrations continue around the country...

Port Moresby and the city of Lae in Papua New Guinea suffered riots in May as many Chinese-owned stores were ransacked and looted during three days of violence.

PNG Prime Minister Somare cited anger about corruption that has allowed a sudden rise in illegal immigration, with growing resentment against Chinese nationals who purchased small businesses, plus claims of unfair employment practices.

Spain and France have once again had warning from the Basque separatist group ETA of possible attacks on tourists and Britons seeking summer homes. ETA claims that outsiders are wiping out traditional culture and “colonizing” the Basque region.

For over a decade, ETA has issued warnings and carried out bombings at seaside towns and resorts, primarily in Spain. The recent threat includes the Basque country in southwestern France.