Peru's Amazonian Indians to launch political party

[Judi Lynn]

Peru's Amazonian Indians to launch political party
11 August 2010 Last updated at 18:34 ET

Peru's indigenous Amazon groups say they plan to launch their own political party ahead of elections next year.

Indigenous leader Alberto Pizango said it would campaign to protect the rainforest and indigenous rights in the Andes mountains as well as the Amazon.

Mr Pizango - who is on bail on charges of leading violent protests last year - said he might stand for president.

Peru's large indigenous minority has historically had little representation in national politics.

The new party will be called the Alliance for an Alternative for Humanity or APHU.

More:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-10946700