Lima - Peruvian President Alan Garcia on Saturday named parliamentarian Javier Velasquez Quesquen as the South American nation's new prime minister as part of a shake-up of the government. Prime Minster Yehude Simon stepped down Wednesday after 34 people were killed in clashes between the government and indigenous groups last month.
In addition to the new prime minister, Garcia also replaced eight ministers in the 16-member cabinet.
Garcia said he was confident the new government would be able to restore order, trust and optimism in the country.
The clashes came after indigenous Amazonians went 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 the indigenous groups. The bloody protests ended after the new legislation was revoked.
While Simon's Cabinet survived a no-confidence motion last week, his position appeared to have been seriously weakened. The motion was based on the allegation that Simon made wrong decisions that led to the violence.
At least 15 per cent of Peru's population lives under the poverty line, and many claim that the poor are not benefiting enough from the government's policies.
