Western Hemisphere
Peruvian Interior Minister Mercedes Cabanillas insisted that there are "political signs" suggesting that followers of the Venezuelan government are involved in social protests in Peru, such as those scheduled for this week, reported Lima-based El Comercio newspaper.

Cabanillas made reference to intelligence reports according to which preparatory meetings were held ahead of the demonstrations staged in the last few weeks by the Peruvian chapter of the Continental Bolivarian Coordinator -an organization comprising different forces that endorse Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez in several countries, reported DPA.

According to documents published by El Comercio, the Peruvian chapter of the Continental Bolivarian Coordinator is made up of small radical groups, such as the Peru Pueblo movement, Javier Heraud group, Patria Libre party, Fuerza de Izquierda Socialista and Comité Malpica.

Cabanillas added that they are still trying to determine whether legal actions can be filed against the leaders of these groups, most of which are unknown in Peru.

The Venezuelan Embassy in Lima has denied any involvement in Peru's internal affairs.