LATAM POLITICS TODAY-U.S. lawmaker in lying scandal denies performing drag in Brazil

Three years later, Santos competed in a drag beauty pageant in Rio, Rochard said. Peru anti-government protesters march on capital LIMA - Thousands of Peruvians, many from the country's southern mining regions, descended on the capital Lima for a major planned march against the government and Congress, fired up by over 50 deaths linked to protests since last month. The clashes mark the worst violence Peru has seen in over 20 years as many people in poorer rural regions vent anger at the Lima political elite over inequality and rising prices, testing the copper-rich Andean nation's democratic institutions.

The latest in Latin American politics today: Claims U.S. lawmaker did drag in Brazil provokes denial

SAO PAULO - U.S. Representative George Santos competed as a drag queen in Brazilian beauty pageants 15 years ago, two acquaintances told Reuters, claims the lawmaker vigorously denied in a post on social media. The embattled freshman congressman, ensnared in an epic lying scandal, has also faced calls from fellow New York Republicans to step down over fabrications about his career and life history during his successful campaign for Congress last November.

Santos wrote on Twitter that claims "that I am a drag Queen or 'performed' as a drag Queen" are "categorically false," adding: "I will not be distracted nor fazed by this." But a 58-year-old Brazilian performer, who uses the drag name Eula Rochard, said she befriended the now-congressman when he was cross-dressing in 2005 at the first gay pride parade in Niteroi, a Rio de Janeiro suburb. Three years later, Santos competed in a drag beauty pageant in Rio, Rochard said.

Peru anti-government protesters march on capital LIMA - Thousands of Peruvians, many from the country's southern mining regions, descended on the capital Lima for a major planned march against the government and Congress, fired up by over 50 deaths linked to protests since last month.

The clashes mark the worst violence Peru has seen in over 20 years as many people in poorer rural regions vent anger at the Lima political elite over inequality and rising prices, testing the copper-rich Andean nation's democratic institutions. Protesters are demanding the resignation of President Dina Boluarte, fast new elections, a clear out of Congress and a new Constitution to replace a market-friendly one dating back to strongman leader Alberto Fujimori in the 1990s.

In buses and on foot, thousands have journeyed to the capital, carrying flags and banners criticizing the government and police for deadly clashes in the southern cities of Ayacucho and Juliaca, many demanding Boluarte step down. Mexico president says resolved Canada firms' energy concerns

MEXICO CITY - Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said he met with representatives of four Canadian firms and resolved their problems, after agreeing to see them at talks with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau earlier this month. The companies in question were ATCO Ltd, La Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec (CDPQ), Northland Power Inc, and Canadian Solar Inc, according to an official familiar with the matter.

A spokeswoman for CDPQ confirmed its presence at the meeting on Wednesday night, without giving further details. The other companies did not immediately reply to requests for comment. (Compiled by David Alire Garcia; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)

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