LATAM POLITICS TODAY-Thousands march on Peru's capital as discord spreads

The latest in Latin American politics today: Thousands march on Peru's capital, building set ablaze

LIMA - Thousands of protesters in Peru, many from the heavily indigenous south, descended on the capital Lima, angered by a mounting death toll since violence broke out last month and calling for sweeping change. Police estimated the capital march at around 3,500, but others speculated it attracted more than double that.

Rows of police in riot gear faced off against rock-hurling protesters on some streets, as one historic building in the city's historic center caught on fire late on Thursday. Clashes also led officials to announce the suspension of operations at Arequipa and Cusco airports.

Protesters are demanding the resignation of President Dina Boluarte, snap elections and a new constitution to replace the market-friendly one dating back to right-wing strongman Alberto Fujimori in the 1990s. Bolivia judge rules opposition governor must remain detained ahead of trial

LA PAZ - A Bolivian judge ruled that Santa Cruz Governor Luis Camacho, a leader long in opposition to the left-leaning federal government, must remain detained while he awaits trial. Camacho was arrested in December on a charge of "terrorism" in relation to social turmoil in 2019 which saw then-President Evo Morales flee the country.

Camacho's lawyer had appealed his four-month detention ahead of his expected trial, arguing that he was not a flight risk and should be placed under house arrest. Camacho appeared calm during the virtual proceedings, occasionally smoking from a vaping device.

U.S., Cuban officials wrap up law-enforcement talks in Havana HAVANA/WASHINGTON - A visiting U.S. delegation wrapped up two days of talks on law-enforcement issues with Cuban officials in Havana, the State Department said, the first meeting of its kind since such negotiations were halted under former President Donald Trump.

The talks, which included the State Department, Justice Department and Homeland Security as well as FBI and immigration officials and the Coast Guard, had been expected to focus on combating cybercrime, terrorist threats and drug trafficking. "This type of dialogue enhances the national security of the United States through improved international law enforcement coordination," the State Department said. But it stopped short of announcing any agreements between the Cold War-era foes.

Brazil's central bank will act independently, governor says BRASILIA - Brazil's central bank will act independently, governor Roberto Campos Neto said, adding that the formal autonomy status showed resilience and capacity to stabilize markets.

"We are going to act independently and we are going to say that until the end of the mandate," Campos Neto said at an event hosted by the UCLA Anderson School of Management. Appointed by former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, Campos Neto is set to serve through December 2024. Also on Thursday, Institutional Relations Minister Alexandre Padilha said Brazil's government does not intend to make changes to the central bank, seeking to appease markets after leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva public criticism of the institution.

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 and Brendan O'Boyle; Editing by Kirsten Donovan and Grant McCool)

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