Social organizations called to a general  strike to protest against the presence of US troops in Ayacucho, in  central Peru.   The general strike will take place on July 8, according to a decision  taken by the Ayacucho Defense Front after it was announced that 70 US  American soldiers had been deployed in the area. Another 350 military  troops will arrive soon.  

Front chairman Iver Maravi said protesters will demand the withdrawal  of the foreign troops, because its presence, which was approved by  congressional conservative forces, goes against national sovereignty  and dignity.  

Army chief Gen. Edwin Donayre claimed the US troops will only perform  humanitarian tasks, without settling a permanent base in Peru.  

However, former Army officer and opposition leader Ollanta Humala  ruled out Donayre’s words.  

Humala said the water wells and school classrooms to be built by the  American troops can be built by Peruvian workers and engineers.  

Former Minister of Defense and Congressman David Waisman agreed with  military analyst Jose Robles on that the Ministry of Defense is  lacking transparency regarding the number of US military troops that  has been authorized to enter Peru.