Congressman Garcia Statement on Meeting with Peruvian Foreign Minister Ana Cecilia Gervasi

Washington D.C.- Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42) today released the following statement after meeting with Peruvian Foreign Minister Ana Cecilia Gervasi:

“As a young child, I immigrated to the United States from Peru, and now I am honored to serve as the first Peruvian- American Member of Congress.

“Today, I had the opportunity to meet with the Foreign Minister Ana Cecilia Gervasi of Peru. In our meeting, I made clear my support for democratic institutions that represent the people, with free and fair elections under independent electoral supervision. It is clear there are fundamental challenges to preserving and enhancing democratic institutions in Peru, including efforts to tackle corruption, address income inequality and respect and inclusion of indigenous populations. 

 “I expressed to Foreign Minister Gervasi my deep concern with excessive use of force by the government against civilian protesters, and encouraged the government to cooperate with human rights investigations including Ombudsman's Office and the Organization of American States. The right to peacefully assemble and to petition your government is a fundamental human right that must be protected.”

Congressman Garcia believes in defending our democracy, leveling the playing field with progressive education policy, addressing the climate crisis, supporting working families with increasing wages, and fighting to expand and protect essential rights for women, immigrants, and the LGBTQI+ community. 

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