Police in Peru on Friday destroyed over 11,000 weapons seized in recent months during police operations nationwide. In the city of Pisco, located some 300 kilometers (186 miles) from the capital Lima, officials said this was the largest weapons destruction operation in a decade. The majority of the weapons were seized from criminals and gangs. The arsenal consisted of 3,783 pistols, 5,230 revolvers, 319 carbines, 1,213 shotguns and 1,065 handcrafted weapons. According to official statistics, 13 out of 100 Peruvians were victims of robbery between July and December 2018, most carried out with a firearm. The destruction was carried out within the framework of the United Nations International Day of Destruction of Small Arms commemorated every 9th of July since 2001.

Peru police destroy thousands of illegal weapons

Peruvian Nobel laureate Mario Vargas Llosa was honoured at the 24th Lima International Book Fair on Thursday for his contribution to literature.

Nobel laureate opens Lima International Book Fair

Ten-man Brazil held on to win the Copa America on home soil despite Gabriel Jesus's dismissal with a 3-1 victory over Peru on Sunday.

Jesus scored the decisive goal after a penalty from Peru captain Paolo Guerrero cancelled out Everton's opener for hosts Brazil at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana stadium.

A last minute penalty from substitute <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-slams-brazil-fix-after-copa-red-card-233729">Richarlison sealed a win for Brazil</a> which handed the South American giants their ninth Copa triumph and first since 2007.

Jesus's evening went sour 20 minutes from time as he was sent off for a second booking.

The Manchester City striker was in tears as he left the field, making obscene hand gestures, angrily kicking a water bottle and almost knocking over the VAR booth.

Brazil's players rallied after the dismissal however to claim a battling victory.

"It's really special because we built something together," enthused captain Dani Alves.

Earlier, after a minute's silence was held for bossa nova legend Joao Gilberto -- who died on Saturday -- underdogs Peru made a confident start and didn't appear overawed by either their opponents or the occasion.

But it quickly became apparent that they were up against more accomplished players.

"It was a game in which they took advantage of our mistakes and turned them all into goals," said Peru's Edison Flores.

Peru coach Ricardo Gareca had said on Saturday they needed to prevent Brazil from dominating possession, but that was easier said than done.

Individual brilliance

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-brazil-reach-semi-final-with-shootout-win-over-paraguay-231055">Brazil started to stroke</a> the ball around commandingly, and as they did that, they looked dangerous.

Their opening goal came from a piece of individual brilliance by Jesus, whose drag back fooled two defenders, creating space for him to cross for the unmarked Everton to drill home at the back post on the quarter hour.

Brazil were in control and playing like champions elect as Roberto Firmino found space on the left and crossed for Philippe Coutinho to stab wide.

Left-winger Everton was clever with his movement in dragging the athletic right-back Luis Advincula out of position and Brazil's left-back Alex Sandro found acres of space to put in a deep cross that Firmino headed over.

Just as it looked as if Brazil would stroll to victory, Peru went on the attack and a Christian Cueva cross hit the arm of a sliding Thiago Silva, giving Peru a penalty that was confirmed after a VAR review.

Guerrero sent goalkeeper Alisson the wrong way from 12 yards and Peru were back in it just before half-time.

But they paid for their lack of guile and experience with almost the last kick of the half as Arthur was allowed to drive at the defence from midfield following a slip from Renato Tapia that left him space to attack.

Center-back Carlos Zambano also slipped, allowing Arthur to feed Jesus in the middle of the area and the Manchester City striker made no mistake, finding the bottom corner.

Changed dynamic

Brazil had a few speculative shots at the start of the second half but Silva, Dani Alves and Coutinho all failed to hit the target.

After some wing trickery from Everton, Alex Sandro crossed but Firmino headed wide.

Brazil were in complete control at this stage as Peru could hardly string two passes together.

But the dynamic changed 20 minutes from time as Jesus was given his marching orders for a second yellow card after a late challenge on Cueva.

The onus was now on Peru to attack and Miguel Trauco brought a near post save out of Alisson while Edison Flores fizzed a volley from outside the area just wide.

But amidst a flurry of substitutions, fouls and injury stoppages, the steam went out of Peru's efforts and they were unable to exert any sustained pressure on the hosts.

Any hopes they had were extinguished when Zambrano was adjudged to have barged over Everton in the penalty area and substitute Richarlison drilled home the spot-kick into the bottom corner.

Ten-man Brazil held on to win the Copa America on home soil despite Gabriel Jesus's dismissal with a 3-1 victory over Peru on Sunday. Jesus scored the decisive goal after a penalty from Peru captain Paolo Guerrero cancelled out Everton's opener for hosts Brazil at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana stadium.

Ten-man Brazil held on to win the Copa America on home soil despite Gabriel Jesus's dismissal with a 3-1 victory over Peru on Sunday. Jesus scored the decisive goal after a penalty from Peru captain Paolo Guerrero cancelled out Everton's opener for hosts Brazil at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana stadium. A last minute penalty from substitute Richarlison sealed a win for Brazil which handed the South American giants their ninth Copa triumph and first since 2007. Jesus's evening went sour 20 minutes from time as he was sent off for a second booking. The Manchester City striker was in tears as he left the field, making obscene hand gestures, angrily kicking a water bottle and almost knocking over the VAR booth. Brazil's players rallied after the dismissal however to claim a battling victory. "It's really special because we built something together," enthused captain Dani Alves. Earlier, after a minute's silence was held for bossa nova legend Joao Gilberto -- who died on Saturday -- underdogs Peru made a confident start and didn't appear overawed by either their opponents or the occasion. But it quickly became apparent that they were up against more accomplished players. "It was a game in which they took advantage of our mistakes and turned them all into goals," said Peru's Edison Flores. Peru coach Ricardo Gareca had said on Saturday they needed to prevent Brazil from dominating possession, but that was easier said than done. Individual brilliance Brazil started to stroke the ball around commandingly, and as they did that, they looked dangerous. Their opening goal came from a piece of individual brilliance by Jesus, whose drag back fooled two defenders, creating space for him to cross for the unmarked Everton to drill home at the back post on the quarter hour. Brazil were in control and playing like champions elect as Roberto Firmino found space on the left and crossed for Philippe Coutinho to stab wide. Left-winger Everton was clever with his movement in dragging the athletic right-back Luis Advincula out of position and Brazil's left-back Alex Sandro found acres of space to put in a deep cross that Firmino headed over. Just as it looked as if Brazil would stroll to victory, Peru went on the attack and a Christian Cueva cross hit the arm of a sliding Thiago Silva, giving Peru a penalty that was confirmed after a VAR review. Guerrero sent goalkeeper Alisson the wrong way from 12 yards and Peru were back in it just before half-time. But they paid for their lack of guile and experience with almost the last kick of the half as Arthur was allowed to drive at the defence from midfield following a slip from Renato Tapia that left him space to attack. Center-back Carlos Zambano also slipped, allowing Arthur to feed Jesus in the middle of the area and the Manchester City striker made no mistake, finding the bottom corner. Changed dynamic Brazil had a few speculative shots at the start of the second half but Silva, Dani Alves and Coutinho all failed to hit the target. After some wing trickery from Everton, Alex Sandro crossed but Firmino headed wide. Brazil were in complete control at this stage as Peru could hardly string two passes together. But the dynamic changed 20 minutes from time as Jesus was given his marching orders for a second yellow card after a late challenge on Cueva. The onus was now on Peru to attack and Miguel Trauco brought a near post save out of Alisson while Edison Flores fizzed a volley from outside the area just wide. But amidst a flurry of substitutions, fouls and injury stoppages, the steam went out of Peru's efforts and they were unable to exert any sustained pressure on the hosts. Any hopes they had were extinguished when Zambrano was adjudged to have barged over Everton in the penalty area and substitute Richarlison drilled home the spot-kick into the bottom corner.

Brazil outlast Peru to lift ninth Copa America Cup

Brazil have lifted the trophy every time they have hosted the Copa America and will look to maintain this perfect record with a first major tournament triumph since 2007 when they take on <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-brazil-crush-peru-to-reach-last-eight-229690&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjlp8eO3Z_jAhXHinAKHWLJAVkQFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0z-f448XhuV4L_HzSxeqPS">Peru </a>in final.&nbsp;

Anything less than a victory for South America's most populous nation and most successful national team at the Maracana will be deemed a monumental failure, however, and could cost Tite his job regardless of the steady progress the coach has overseen.&nbsp;

Despite losing Neymar - their most recognisable and talented player - to injury on the eve of the tournament, the hosts have looked the strongest and most complete side with 10 goals scored and none conceded in five matches.&nbsp;

Their path to glory has been made easier by holders Chile going out in the semi-finals to Peru, who the hosts trounced 5-0 in the group stages with a whirlwind display which had some hailing the return of the dazzling Brazil of the past.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-brazils-winger-willian-ruled-out-of-final-against-peru-232940&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjlp8eO3Z_jAhXHinAKHWLJAVkQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0ymqrA9Tc97PVUvdwnBLBG">Brazil </a>captain Dani Alves was accused of over-confidence after posting "That's it" on Twitter after Peru shocked Chile, although the right-back later denied that he was mocking Ricardo Gareca's side.&nbsp;

The hosts are overwhelming favourites to beat Peru, but no-one in the country needs reminding of when Brazil went into the 1950 World Cup final at the Maracana feeling certain of lifting a trophy only to suffer a harrowing defeat to Uruguay.&nbsp;

Brazil defender Marquinhos said no-one in his side was underestimating Peru, who have reached the final of the Copa America for the first time since winning their second South American title in 1975.&nbsp;

Brazil have won the tournament eight times, including four times as hosts.&nbsp;

"We know that in football things change very quickly and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/peru-stun-defending-champions-chile-to-enter-copa-america-final-232901&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjlp8eO3Z_jAhXHinAKHWLJAVkQFjAGegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1LJ8j2tX1UdE18Ec3fyq8I">Peru </a>are in a completely different state now, and everyone has to know that it will take a huge effort to beat them, because a final is a one-off game unlike any other," he told reporters.&nbsp;

"It will come down to emotions, tactics and technique. We will have to combine these factors and the tiny details will prove the difference in this game. The team which makes the fewest mistakes will be champions," added&nbsp;Marquinhos.&nbsp;

Brazil have lifted the trophy every time they have hosted the Copa America and will look to maintain this perfect record with a first major tournament triumph since 2007 when they take on Peru in final.

Brazil have lifted the trophy every time they have hosted the Copa America and will look to maintain this perfect record with a first major tournament triumph since 2007 when they take on Peru in final. Anything less than a victory for South America's most populous nation and most successful national team at the Maracana will be deemed a monumental failure, however, and could cost Tite his job regardless of the steady progress the coach has overseen. Despite losing Neymar - their most recognisable and talented player - to injury on the eve of the tournament, the hosts have looked the strongest and most complete side with 10 goals scored and none conceded in five matches. Their path to glory has been made easier by holders Chile going out in the semi-finals to Peru, who the hosts trounced 5-0 in the group stages with a whirlwind display which had some hailing the return of the dazzling Brazil of the past. Brazil captain Dani Alves was accused of over-confidence after posting "That's it" on Twitter after Peru shocked Chile, although the right-back later denied that he was mocking Ricardo Gareca's side. The hosts are overwhelming favourites to beat Peru, but no-one in the country needs reminding of when Brazil went into the 1950 World Cup final at the Maracana feeling certain of lifting a trophy only to suffer a harrowing defeat to Uruguay. Brazil defender Marquinhos said no-one in his side was underestimating Peru, who have reached the final of the Copa America for the first time since winning their second South American title in 1975. Brazil have won the tournament eight times, including four times as hosts. "We know that in football things change very quickly and Peru are in a completely different state now, and everyone has to know that it will take a huge effort to beat them, because a final is a one-off game unlike any other," he told reporters. "It will come down to emotions, tactics and technique. We will have to combine these factors and the tiny details will prove the difference in this game. The team which makes the fewest mistakes will be champions," added Marquinhos.

Brazil aim to maintain perfect record of winning Copa America as hosts for fifth time

Brazil winger Willian has been ruled out of Sunday's Copa America final against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/peru-stun-defending-champions-chile-to-enter-copa-america-final-232901">Peru </a>due to a muscle injury, his side said in a statement on Thursday.

Willian, who will remain with the team at their training base ahead of the final, scored Brazil's final goal in their 5-0 drubbing of Peru in the group stage and scored in their penalty shootout victory over Paraguay in the quarter-finals.

He was brought on for winger Everton at halftime in his side's 2-0 win over Argentina in the last four but tests on Wednesday revealed he had sustained a muscle injury.

Willian was a late replacement in the squad for <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-neymar-visits-his-team-ahead-of-brazils-copa-america-match-against-peru-229465&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiX0u2bzZrjAhUOfd4KHY7qBN4QFjAHegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0jZS6vI-SsOUW7BnB4pNJW">Neymar</a>, who was forced to miss the tournament in his home country after sustaining an ankle injury in a friendly against Qatar in June.

Willian is Brazil's only absentee for the final at the Maracana, where the five-time World Cup winners will be eyeing their first major trophy since lifting the 2007 Copa America.

Brazil winger Willian has been ruled out of Sunday's Copa America final against Peru due to a muscle injury, his side said in a statement on Thursday. Willian, who will remain with the team at their training base ahead of the final, scored Brazil's final goal in their 5-0 drubbing of Peru in the group stage and scored in their penalty shootout victory over Paraguay in the quarter-finals.

Brazil winger Willian has been ruled out of Sunday's Copa America final against Peru due to a muscle injury, his side said in a statement on Thursday. Willian, who will remain with the team at their training base ahead of the final, scored Brazil's final goal in their 5-0 drubbing of Peru in the group stage and scored in their penalty shootout victory over Paraguay in the quarter-finals. He was brought on for winger Everton at halftime in his side's 2-0 win over Argentina in the last four but tests on Wednesday revealed he had sustained a muscle injury. Willian was a late replacement in the squad for Neymar, who was forced to miss the tournament in his home country after sustaining an ankle injury in a friendly against Qatar in June. Willian is Brazil's only absentee for the final at the Maracana, where the five-time World Cup winners will be eyeing their first major trophy since lifting the 2007 Copa America.

Copa America: Brazil's winger Willian ruled out of final against Peru

Peru stunned defending champions Chile 3-0 to reach the final of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-brazil-beat-argentina-2-0-to-reach-final-messi-blames-bad-refereeing-232618"> Copa America for the first time</a> in 44 years on Wednesday.

Goals from Edison Flores, Yoshimar Yotun and Paolo Guerrero handed Peru a deserved win which sends them into a final against Brazil at the Maracana Stadium on Sunday.

The stunning upset prevented <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-chile-beat-colombia-on-penalties-to-reach-semifinal-231415">Chile's golden generation from challenging</a> for a third straight title, following their wins over Argentina in 2015 and 2016.

Instead, the finalists from the previous two editions will meet in Saturday's third-place play-off in Sao Paulo.

Little was expected of Peru in the knock-out stages after they ended the group phase with a humbling 5-0 thrashing by Brazil.

But after riding their luck -&nbsp;and being saved by VAR three times -&nbsp;to beat Uruguay on penalties in the quarter-final, they were a completely rejuvenated outfit in Porto Alegre.

Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, the villain of that 5-0 defeat, was again faultless, as he had been in the quarter-final when decisively saving Luis Suarez's shoot-out penalty.

He again saved a penalty and made a number of other vital stops.

From the start, Peru dominated the reigning champions, with Christian Cueva wastefully shooting wide two minutes in after he was tied up in space by his captain Guerrero.

On seven minutes Chile's Charles Aranguiz started and finished a superb passing move involving Alexis Sanchez and Jean Beausejour, by placing a precise shot just past the post.

Flores took advantage of an Erick Pulgar slip in midfield to dart towards goal but he dragged his weak shot woefully wide.

But a minute later he was alone at the back post to lash home left-footed from an Andre Carillo flick on from Cueva's cross.

- Timely intervention - 
Striker Guerrero made a timely intervention in his own area to prevent a Sanchez corner from sneaking in at the near post.

Yotun doubled the lead on 38 minutes after punishing Chile goalkeeper Gabriel Arias's rush of blood to the head.

Carillo chased a long ball down the right-hand side and beat Arias, who ill-advisedly had charged from his area, to the ball before picking out Yotun on the edge of the 18-yard area.

Faced with four back-tracking defenders, Yotun calmly controlled the ball on his chest and sent a low volley straight down the middle of the empty goal.

Equally importantly was Gallese's one-hand save to tip over a Jose Fuenzalida volley a minute before the break.

A 2-0 half-time lead was the least Peru deserved after an enterprising performance against tentative opponents.

Chile were a lick of paint away from getting back into the match on 51 minutes when Eduardo Vargas's flicked header beat Gallese but agonisingly came back off the post.

Peru should have put the game to bed on a rapier counter-attack on the hour but Guerrero and Cueva passed rather than shooting and Yotun ballooned over from six yards with the goal gaping.

Peru started sitting deeper, inviting Chile to attack and Aranguiz sent a rasping shot whistling past the top corner with Gallese a mere spectator.

Gallese then tipped over a looping volley from Beausejour and 15 minutes from time he stayed big to block a shot from Vargas one-on-one.

He was unbeatable and dived low to his right to palm out a venomous Sanchez effort from 20 yards.

Guerrero put the icing on the cake in injury time after rounding Arias, but Gallese had the last word from the penalty spot.

Peru stunned defending champions Chile 3-0 to reach the final of the Copa America for the first time in 44 years on Wednesday. Goals from Edison Flores, Yoshimar Yotun and Paolo Guerrero handed Peru a deserved win which sends them into a final against Brazil at the Maracana Stadium on Sunday.

Peru stunned defending champions Chile 3-0 to reach the final of the Copa America for the first time in 44 years on Wednesday. Goals from Edison Flores, Yoshimar Yotun and Paolo Guerrero handed Peru a deserved win which sends them into a final against Brazil at the Maracana Stadium on Sunday. The stunning upset prevented Chile's golden generation from challenging for a third straight title, following their wins over Argentina in 2015 and 2016. Instead, the finalists from the previous two editions will meet in Saturday's third-place play-off in Sao Paulo. Little was expected of Peru in the knock-out stages after they ended the group phase with a humbling 5-0 thrashing by Brazil. But after riding their luck - and being saved by VAR three times - to beat Uruguay on penalties in the quarter-final, they were a completely rejuvenated outfit in Porto Alegre. Goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, the villain of that 5-0 defeat, was again faultless, as he had been in the quarter-final when decisively saving Luis Suarez's shoot-out penalty. He again saved a penalty and made a number of other vital stops. From the start, Peru dominated the reigning champions, with Christian Cueva wastefully shooting wide two minutes in after he was tied up in space by his captain Guerrero. On seven minutes Chile's Charles Aranguiz started and finished a superb passing move involving Alexis Sanchez and Jean Beausejour, by placing a precise shot just past the post. Flores took advantage of an Erick Pulgar slip in midfield to dart towards goal but he dragged his weak shot woefully wide. But a minute later he was alone at the back post to lash home left-footed from an Andre Carillo flick on from Cueva's cross. - Timely intervention - Striker Guerrero made a timely intervention in his own area to prevent a Sanchez corner from sneaking in at the near post. Yotun doubled the lead on 38 minutes after punishing Chile goalkeeper Gabriel Arias's rush of blood to the head. Carillo chased a long ball down the right-hand side and beat Arias, who ill-advisedly had charged from his area, to the ball before picking out Yotun on the edge of the 18-yard area. Faced with four back-tracking defenders, Yotun calmly controlled the ball on his chest and sent a low volley straight down the middle of the empty goal. Equally importantly was Gallese's one-hand save to tip over a Jose Fuenzalida volley a minute before the break. A 2-0 half-time lead was the least Peru deserved after an enterprising performance against tentative opponents. Chile were a lick of paint away from getting back into the match on 51 minutes when Eduardo Vargas's flicked header beat Gallese but agonisingly came back off the post. Peru should have put the game to bed on a rapier counter-attack on the hour but Guerrero and Cueva passed rather than shooting and Yotun ballooned over from six yards with the goal gaping. Peru started sitting deeper, inviting Chile to attack and Aranguiz sent a rasping shot whistling past the top corner with Gallese a mere spectator. Gallese then tipped over a looping volley from Beausejour and 15 minutes from time he stayed big to block a shot from Vargas one-on-one. He was unbeatable and dived low to his right to palm out a venomous Sanchez effort from 20 yards. Guerrero put the icing on the cake in injury time after rounding Arias, but Gallese had the last word from the penalty spot.

Peru stun defending champions Chile to enter Copa America final

Brazil overwhelmed Peru with three goals in a superb first half to set up a crushing 5-0 victory on Saturday and cruise into the Copa America quarter-finals.

Looking like their imperious old selves in front of 42,000 fans at the Corinthians area, the host nation went ahead after 12 minutes when Casemiro nodded home after a goalmouth scramble and Roberto Firmino made it two seven minutes later after keeper Pedro Gallese made a hash of his kick out.

Firmino charged down the kick and the ball rebounded off the post but the forward picked up the rebound and rounded the keeper to roll the ball into the empty goal.

Man of the Match Everton added a third when he cut in from the left and unleashed a low shot that sneaked inside Gallese’s near post and Dani Alves made it 4-0 eight minutes into the second half when he finished off a neat team move and lashed the ball into the roof of the net.

Substitute Willian made it five with a vicious strike from outside the box in the final minute, before Gallese made up for his earlier error by saving a spot-kick from Gabriel Jesus in stoppage time.

After struggling in the first half of their previous two games, and failing to score in both, the two early goals settled Brazil and gave them more space to play, said coach Tite.

"When you score an early goal the team has play differently and open up, that is real," he said.

The result, combined with Venezuela’s 3-1 win over Bolivia, means the hosts top Group A and will play one of the two third-placed teams at the Gremio arena on Thursday.

The only downside for Brazil was a second yellow card in three games for Casemiro, which means the combative Real Madrid midfielder will miss Thursday's quarter-final.

Second-placed Venezuela will face the second team in Group B on Friday at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, while Peru must wait to see if their four points are enough to earn them a place as one of the two best third-placed sides.

"It’s not up to us now, that’s the uncomfortable situation," Peru coach Ricardo Gareca said.

"They were better than us from start to finish. Brazil had lots of chances in their other games and never took them. Today they took them."

Brazil overwhelmed Peru with three goals in a superb first half to set up a crushing 5-0 victory on Saturday and cruise into the Copa America quarter-finals. Looking like their imperious old selves in front of 42,000 fans at the Corinthians area, the host nation went ahead after 12 minutes when Casemiro nodded home after a goalmouth scramble and Roberto Firmino made it two seven minutes later after keeper Pedro Gallese made a hash of his kick out.

Brazil overwhelmed Peru with three goals in a superb first half to set up a crushing 5-0 victory on Saturday and cruise into the Copa America quarter-finals. Looking like their imperious old selves in front of 42,000 fans at the Corinthians area, the host nation went ahead after 12 minutes when Casemiro nodded home after a goalmouth scramble and Roberto Firmino made it two seven minutes later after keeper Pedro Gallese made a hash of his kick out. Firmino charged down the kick and the ball rebounded off the post but the forward picked up the rebound and rounded the keeper to roll the ball into the empty goal. Man of the Match Everton added a third when he cut in from the left and unleashed a low shot that sneaked inside Gallese’s near post and Dani Alves made it 4-0 eight minutes into the second half when he finished off a neat team move and lashed the ball into the roof of the net. Substitute Willian made it five with a vicious strike from outside the box in the final minute, before Gallese made up for his earlier error by saving a spot-kick from Gabriel Jesus in stoppage time. After struggling in the first half of their previous two games, and failing to score in both, the two early goals settled Brazil and gave them more space to play, said coach Tite. "When you score an early goal the team has play differently and open up, that is real," he said. The result, combined with Venezuela’s 3-1 win over Bolivia, means the hosts top Group A and will play one of the two third-placed teams at the Gremio arena on Thursday. The only downside for Brazil was a second yellow card in three games for Casemiro, which means the combative Real Madrid midfielder will miss Thursday's quarter-final. Second-placed Venezuela will face the second team in Group B on Friday at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, while Peru must wait to see if their four points are enough to earn them a place as one of the two best third-placed sides. "It’s not up to us now, that’s the uncomfortable situation," Peru coach Ricardo Gareca said. "They were better than us from start to finish. Brazil had lots of chances in their other games and never took them. Today they took them."

Copa America: Brazil crush Peru to reach last eight

Brazil star footballer Neymar Jr paid a visit to his teammates in Sao Paulo on Friday ahead of their third Copa America Group A match against Peru.&nbsp;

Neymar suffered an ankle injury that ruled him out Copa America and in his absence, the team lacklustre.&nbsp;

Although, they made winning start as they defeated Bolivia 3-0 followed by a 0-0 draw with Venezuela but were booed by the fans.&nbsp;

The rumours are intensifying that Neymar wants to leave his current club Paris-Saint Germain.&nbsp;

Currently, Neymar is surrounded by plenty of off-pitch issues as a model, named Najila Trindade, has accused him of raping her in a Paris hotel last month. Neymar denied it and said that the relationship was consensual.&nbsp;

Brazilian tax authorities put a freeze on dozens of his mansions and other properties amid a long-running tax dispute.&nbsp;

Watch: Neymar meeting his teammates:

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I wanna see my idol happy😍😘 
But i follow one thing,,he visit and walking with no crutches 😲<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/neymar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#neymar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SelecaoBrasileira?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SelecaoBrasileira</a> <a href="https://t.co/GavbzsF0T3">pic.twitter.com/GavbzsF0T3</a>
— Zidane11 (@Zidaneneymarjr) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zidaneneymarjr/status/1142121538004537345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On being asked about whether&nbsp;Neymar's departure, Brazilian defender Marquinhos said, "Is he really leaving?

"We don't talk about it. It is a delicate situation. I believe he knows what he does, (and) our president also knows what he does, so I'm not aware of it I don't know what will happen," he added.&nbsp;

I'm focused on Copa America on doing my best here. And this we set aside in this moment."

Brazil star footballer Neymar Jr paid a visit to his teammates in Sao Paulo on Friday ahead of their third Copa America Group A match against Peru. Neymar suffered an ankle injury that ruled him out Copa America and in his absence, the team lacklustre.

Brazil star footballer Neymar Jr paid a visit to his teammates in Sao Paulo on Friday ahead of their third Copa America Group A match against Peru. Neymar suffered an ankle injury that ruled him out Copa America and in his absence, the team lacklustre. Although, they made winning start as they defeated Bolivia 3-0 followed by a 0-0 draw with Venezuela but were booed by the fans. The rumours are intensifying that Neymar wants to leave his current club Paris-Saint Germain. Currently, Neymar is surrounded by plenty of off-pitch issues as a model, named Najila Trindade, has accused him of raping her in a Paris hotel last month. Neymar denied it and said that the relationship was consensual. Brazilian tax authorities put a freeze on dozens of his mansions and other properties amid a long-running tax dispute. Watch: Neymar meeting his teammates: I wanna see my idol happy😍😘 But i follow one thing,,he visit and walking with no crutches 😲#neymar #SelecaoBrasileira pic.twitter.com/GavbzsF0T3 — Zidane11 (@Zidaneneymarjr) June 21, 2019 × On being asked about whether Neymar's departure, Brazilian defender Marquinhos said, "Is he really leaving? "We don't talk about it. It is a delicate situation. I believe he knows what he does, (and) our president also knows what he does, so I'm not aware of it I don't know what will happen," he added. I'm focused on Copa America on doing my best here. And this we set aside in this moment."

Watch: Neymar visits his teammates ahead of Brazil's Copa America match against Peru

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - June 05th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning, May 28th 2019

A<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strong-80-magnitude-earthquake-hits-peru-no-injuries-reported-221765"> powerful 8.0-earthquake </a>toppled houses, blocked roads and knocked out power in parts of Peru on Sunday, killing one person and injuring at least 26 others as the shockwave extended into neighbouring Ecuador.

The quake hit in a sparsely populated region of Peru's Amazon basin region but was felt over a wide area. In Lima and other cities, frightened residents rushed into the streets.

"There are many old houses that have collapsed after this strong earthquake," said Hugo Araujo, the mayor of Yurimaguas, a town near the epicentre.

Peru's civil defence coordinator Ricardo Seijas told RPP radio that a man was killed by falling debris in his house in Cajamarca.

Danilo Munoz, the 48-year-old victim, was asleep when the quake struck at 2:41 am (0741 GMT).

Seijas said 11 people were injured in Peru, and more than 50 houses were left uninhabitable. Reports said 15 people had been hurt in Ecuador.

The quake blocked roads, damaged a bridge and knocked down houses, said Peru's President Martin Vizcarra, adding that it was the most powerful quake to hit the country in 12 years.

"It is an earthquake affecting the entire Peruvian jungle," he said.

"We are working on establishing an air bridge to transport people who have an emergency," he said.

The quake struck about 75 kilometres (45 miles) southeast of the town of Lagunas at a depth of at least 110 kilometers.

The US Geological Survey and Peruvian geophysicists said the quake registered 8.0 in magnitude. They said it lasted just over two minutes. The mayor of Lagunas, Arri Pezo, said many residents who fled from their homes later stayed in the streets for fear of aftershocks.

"You could not walk at the time of the earthquake, things were falling," Pezo told RPP. Power was knocked out, making it difficult to assess the damage, he said.

One of the most dramatic moments captured on social media happened in Yurimaguas. Video from the police station shows the police chief shouting at his subordinates to quickly open the jail cells and get inmates outside.

"The earthquake is strong!" he is heard yelling. "Open the cells! Help with the detainees, get one each!"

Power cuts in Ecuador

The shockwave of Sunday's tremor also extended to neighbouring Ecuador, where power cuts were reported in parts of its Amazon basin region.&nbsp;

Peruvian media said the tremor was also felt in parts of Colombia and Venezuela.

Peru lies on the so-called Ring of Fire -- an arc of fault lines that circles the Pacific Basin and is prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

The South American country records about 200 earthquakes a year, most of them go unnoticed by the public.

In February, a quake measuring 7.5 with its epicentre in Ecuador rattled the coast and Amazon region of northern Peru.

It left nine people injured and caused damage in Ecuador, but Peru was unscathed.

A powerful 8.0-earthquake toppled houses, blocked roads and knocked out power in parts of Peru on Sunday, killing one person and injuring at least 26 others as the shockwave extended into neighbouring Ecuador.

A powerful 8.0-earthquake toppled houses, blocked roads and knocked out power in parts of Peru on Sunday, killing one person and injuring at least 26 others as the shockwave extended into neighbouring Ecuador. The quake hit in a sparsely populated region of Peru's Amazon basin region but was felt over a wide area. In Lima and other cities, frightened residents rushed into the streets. "There are many old houses that have collapsed after this strong earthquake," said Hugo Araujo, the mayor of Yurimaguas, a town near the epicentre. Peru's civil defence coordinator Ricardo Seijas told RPP radio that a man was killed by falling debris in his house in Cajamarca. Danilo Munoz, the 48-year-old victim, was asleep when the quake struck at 2:41 am (0741 GMT). Seijas said 11 people were injured in Peru, and more than 50 houses were left uninhabitable. Reports said 15 people had been hurt in Ecuador. The quake blocked roads, damaged a bridge and knocked down houses, said Peru's President Martin Vizcarra, adding that it was the most powerful quake to hit the country in 12 years. "It is an earthquake affecting the entire Peruvian jungle," he said. "We are working on establishing an air bridge to transport people who have an emergency," he said. The quake struck about 75 kilometres (45 miles) southeast of the town of Lagunas at a depth of at least 110 kilometers. The US Geological Survey and Peruvian geophysicists said the quake registered 8.0 in magnitude. They said it lasted just over two minutes. The mayor of Lagunas, Arri Pezo, said many residents who fled from their homes later stayed in the streets for fear of aftershocks. "You could not walk at the time of the earthquake, things were falling," Pezo told RPP. Power was knocked out, making it difficult to assess the damage, he said. One of the most dramatic moments captured on social media happened in Yurimaguas. Video from the police station shows the police chief shouting at his subordinates to quickly open the jail cells and get inmates outside. "The earthquake is strong!" he is heard yelling. "Open the cells! Help with the detainees, get one each!" Power cuts in Ecuador The shockwave of Sunday's tremor also extended to neighbouring Ecuador, where power cuts were reported in parts of its Amazon basin region. Peruvian media said the tremor was also felt in parts of Colombia and Venezuela. Peru lies on the so-called Ring of Fire -- an arc of fault lines that circles the Pacific Basin and is prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The South American country records about 200 earthquakes a year, most of them go unnoticed by the public. In February, a quake measuring 7.5 with its epicentre in Ecuador rattled the coast and Amazon region of northern Peru. It left nine people injured and caused damage in Ecuador, but Peru was unscathed.

Strong 8.0-magnitude earthquake jolts Peru

A strong 8.0-earthquake struck northern Peru in the early hours of Sunday, sending residents fleeing from their homes but there were no immediate reports of injuries.

The US Geological Survey said the epicentre was at a depth of 110 kilometres.&nbsp;

The quake hit at 0741 GMT about 75 kilometres southeast of the town of Lagunas, along the Amazon basin near the border with Brazil.

"Some casualties and damage are possible and the impact should be relatively localized," USGS said in a preliminary assessment.

Quakes of similar depth "typically cause less damage on the ground surface (but)... may be felt at a great distance from their epicentres," it later added.

The tremors were felt in northern and central Peru, including the capital Lima.&nbsp;

Seismologists at the Geophysics Institute of Peru said the quake, which lasted just over two minutes, measured 7.5 magnitudes, revising an earlier assessment of 7.2 magnitudes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peru-wants-no-military-solution-venezuela-president-167615">Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra </a>urged citizens "to remain calm" in a message on his official Twitter account.

"We're evaluating the affected areas," he said.

Initial reports on Peruvian television said some damage to buildings occurred in the city of Yurimaguas, close to the epicentre, but no injuries had been recorded.

"Based on all available data... there is no tsunami threat because the earthquake is located too deep inside the earth," the US-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said.

In February a quake measuring 7.5 with its epicentre in neighbouring Ecuador rattled the coast and Amazon region of northern Peru.

It left nine people injured and caused damage in Ecuador, but Peru was unscathed.

Peru is located in a seismically active region, and on January 14 last year a quake measuring 7.3 killed two people and toppled buildings near the southern city of Arequipa.

A strong 8.0-earthquake struck northern Peru in the early hours of Sunday, sending residents fleeing from their homes but there were no immediate reports of injuries.

A strong 8.0-earthquake struck northern Peru in the early hours of Sunday, sending residents fleeing from their homes but there were no immediate reports of injuries. The US Geological Survey said the epicentre was at a depth of 110 kilometres. The quake hit at 0741 GMT about 75 kilometres southeast of the town of Lagunas, along the Amazon basin near the border with Brazil. "Some casualties and damage are possible and the impact should be relatively localized," USGS said in a preliminary assessment. Quakes of similar depth "typically cause less damage on the ground surface (but)... may be felt at a great distance from their epicentres," it later added. The tremors were felt in northern and central Peru, including the capital Lima. Seismologists at the Geophysics Institute of Peru said the quake, which lasted just over two minutes, measured 7.5 magnitudes, revising an earlier assessment of 7.2 magnitudes. Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra urged citizens "to remain calm" in a message on his official Twitter account. "We're evaluating the affected areas," he said. Initial reports on Peruvian television said some damage to buildings occurred in the city of Yurimaguas, close to the epicentre, but no injuries had been recorded. "Based on all available data... there is no tsunami threat because the earthquake is located too deep inside the earth," the US-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said. In February a quake measuring 7.5 with its epicentre in neighbouring Ecuador rattled the coast and Amazon region of northern Peru. It left nine people injured and caused damage in Ecuador, but Peru was unscathed. Peru is located in a seismically active region, and on January 14 last year a quake measuring 7.3 killed two people and toppled buildings near the southern city of Arequipa.

Strong 8.0-magnitude earthquake hits Peru, no injuries reported

Lima has declared a state of emergency after new wave of heavy rains and floods hit the city over the past three days, killing at least a dozen people. Watch full video to know more.

State of emergency in Lima as dozens killed in floods

Alan Garcia was the charismatic chameleon of Peruvian politics, once popular enough to be elected president twice. But his terms were filled with ups and downs and he eventually became caught up in the Odebrecht bribery scandal that rocked Latin America.

Garcia, 69, fatally shot himself in the head on Wednesday at his home in Lima as police waited in another room to arrest him in the Odebrecht case, which has ensnared three other former Peruvian presidents.

Garcia had denied the corruption allegations that had long dogged him until the end, saying he was victim of political persecution.

"Others might sell out, not me," he told journalists in some of his last public comments on Tuesday, repeating a phrase he used often as his foes became ensnared in the bribery investigation into Brazilian builder Odebrecht in recent years.

The son of an accountant and a schoolteacher, Garcia became one of Latin America's greatest orators and governed Peru as a firebrand leftist from 1985-1990. He remade himself as a champion of foreign investment and free trade to win another five-year term in 2006.

Garcia benefited from his family's connections with Victor Raul Haya de La Torre, the founder of Apra, which was once Peru's largest and most powerful political party.

After earning a law degree in Lima and studying political science in Madrid, he won a seat in Congress and in 1985 became Apra's first president at age 36. He had promised to bring historically excluded Peruvians into the political fold and extend the country's vast minerals wealth to the millions who lived in desperate poverty.

He once enjoyed tremendous support - near 90 per cent at his height - and was touted as Peru's John F. Kennedy.

But the popularity soon began to crack. In June 1986, security forces killed hundreds of rioting guerrilla inmates in Lima jails, putting in doubt Garcia's reputation as a defender of human rights.

His approval sank further when he tried to nationalize banks in 1987 and refused to pay foreign debt, alienating the business class and sparking a deep recession.

The end of his term was marred by an escalating war with Shining Path guerrillas, hyperinflation surpassing 2,000,000 percent and accusations of widespread corruption.

In July 1990, he left office in disgrace.

A SECOND CHANCE

Garcia was down but not out.

After spending nine years abroad to avoid corruption probes, he eventually returned to Peru and charmed his way back into politics by convincing voters he had returned older and wiser.

He ran and lost the 2001 presidency but succeeded in re-creating his image. This time, Garcia promised, he would avoid of the mistakes of his first presidency and would control spending, attract investment and handle insurgent rebels with a heavy hand.

In 2006, Garcia again ran for the presidency and eked out a win, defeating Ollanta Humala, who had spooked investors and was closely connected in many voters' minds with the socialist politics of Venezuela's late former president Hugo Chavez.

In his second term, a visibly pudgier Garcia oversaw explosive economic growth. He brought billions of dollars of mining and energy investment to Peru and is credited with opening its economy to the world.

The country became a darling of global investors under his watch but his popularity continued to sink after he left office in 2011, in part due to thousands of pardons his government granted to drug traffickers in his second term.

Garcia, who had six adult children, ran for president again in 2016 but came in a distant fifth in a race of 10. He resigned as president of Apra and urged members to revamp the party without him.

Garcia was one of nine people whom a judge had ordered arrested in connection with the bribery investigation into Odebrecht on Wednesday. But he shot himself after police arrived to arrest him and died at a hospital hours later.

President Martin Vizcarra, who Garcia had accused of trying to silence him, ordered Peru's flags to be flown at half staff.

Alan Garcia was the charismatic chameleon of Peruvian politics, once popular enough to be elected president twice. But his terms were filled with ups and downs and he eventually became caught up in the Odebrecht bribery scandal that rocked Latin America.

Alan Garcia was the charismatic chameleon of Peruvian politics, once popular enough to be elected president twice. But his terms were filled with ups and downs and he eventually became caught up in the Odebrecht bribery scandal that rocked Latin America. Garcia, 69, fatally shot himself in the head on Wednesday at his home in Lima as police waited in another room to arrest him in the Odebrecht case, which has ensnared three other former Peruvian presidents. Garcia had denied the corruption allegations that had long dogged him until the end, saying he was victim of political persecution. "Others might sell out, not me," he told journalists in some of his last public comments on Tuesday, repeating a phrase he used often as his foes became ensnared in the bribery investigation into Brazilian builder Odebrecht in recent years. The son of an accountant and a schoolteacher, Garcia became one of Latin America's greatest orators and governed Peru as a firebrand leftist from 1985-1990. He remade himself as a champion of foreign investment and free trade to win another five-year term in 2006. Garcia benefited from his family's connections with Victor Raul Haya de La Torre, the founder of Apra, which was once Peru's largest and most powerful political party. After earning a law degree in Lima and studying political science in Madrid, he won a seat in Congress and in 1985 became Apra's first president at age 36. He had promised to bring historically excluded Peruvians into the political fold and extend the country's vast minerals wealth to the millions who lived in desperate poverty. He once enjoyed tremendous support - near 90 per cent at his height - and was touted as Peru's John F. Kennedy. But the popularity soon began to crack. In June 1986, security forces killed hundreds of rioting guerrilla inmates in Lima jails, putting in doubt Garcia's reputation as a defender of human rights. His approval sank further when he tried to nationalize banks in 1987 and refused to pay foreign debt, alienating the business class and sparking a deep recession. The end of his term was marred by an escalating war with Shining Path guerrillas, hyperinflation surpassing 2,000,000 percent and accusations of widespread corruption. In July 1990, he left office in disgrace. A SECOND CHANCE Garcia was down but not out. After spending nine years abroad to avoid corruption probes, he eventually returned to Peru and charmed his way back into politics by convincing voters he had returned older and wiser. He ran and lost the 2001 presidency but succeeded in re-creating his image. This time, Garcia promised, he would avoid of the mistakes of his first presidency and would control spending, attract investment and handle insurgent rebels with a heavy hand. In 2006, Garcia again ran for the presidency and eked out a win, defeating Ollanta Humala, who had spooked investors and was closely connected in many voters' minds with the socialist politics of Venezuela's late former president Hugo Chavez. In his second term, a visibly pudgier Garcia oversaw explosive economic growth. He brought billions of dollars of mining and energy investment to Peru and is credited with opening its economy to the world. The country became a darling of global investors under his watch but his popularity continued to sink after he left office in 2011, in part due to thousands of pardons his government granted to drug traffickers in his second term. Garcia, who had six adult children, ran for president again in 2016 but came in a distant fifth in a race of 10. He resigned as president of Apra and urged members to revamp the party without him. Garcia was one of nine people whom a judge had ordered arrested in connection with the bribery investigation into Odebrecht on Wednesday. But he shot himself after police arrived to arrest him and died at a hospital hours later. President Martin Vizcarra, who Garcia had accused of trying to silence him, ordered Peru's flags to be flown at half staff.

Peru's former president Garcia kills himself to avoid arrest

US Secretary of State <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-says-trump-resort-arrest-shows-chinas-threat-208259&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiB1-SP4s7hAhUX3Y8KHVscBYwQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0FExGDZDzqoKhD9gUwfp72">Mike Pompeo</a> landed in Peru on Saturday on the third leg of a four-nation tour of Latin American allies focusing heavily on Venezuela and countering China's economic reach.

Pompeo held talks with President Martin Vizcarra and Foreign Minister Nestor Popolizio before attending a dinner for business leaders.

He paid tribute to Peru's welcome for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan refugees and Vizcarra's fight against corruption, which has embroiled the previous four Peruvian presidents.

But he became irritated when a reporter asked if that contradicted the US President Donald Trump's harsh immigration policy at home.

"Our objective is to allow people to stay in their home countries, this is President Trump's desire, we want to create conditions in these countries where they can stay in their own country," he told the press conference with Popolizio.

Pompeo also spoke by telephone with Brazil's Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo, the State Department announced late Saturday.

"They reaffirmed the close friendship between the United States and Brazil and pledged to continue working together to address the... crises in Venezuela, their effects on Venezuela's neighbours, and the need for outside actors, including Cuba, Russia, and China, to stop propping up Nicolas Maduro," spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement.

Visit Paraguay

Earlier Pompeo had become the first US secretary of state to visit Paraguay, formerly ruled as a dictatorship, since 1965, paying tribute to the country's transition to democracy as an inspiration to the region.

The top US diplomat arrived in Asuncion late Friday after talks with Chile's President Sebastian Pinera in Santiago that focused heavily on his country's developing trade relationship with China.

The highlight of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-protecting-violent-islamic-terror-groups-from-un-sanctions-mike-pompeo-206163">Pompeo</a>'s trip will be a brief visit Sunday to the Colombian city of Cucuta on the Venezuelan border, where he will meet refugees.&nbsp;

All four countries on his itinerary are led by right-wing or centre-right leaders favourable to Washington's uncompromising approach to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

In Asuncion, Pompeo had praised Paraguay's support for US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido in Venezuela, and its role in the Lima Group of mostly Latin American nations seeking a solution to the Venezuela crisis.&nbsp;

"Paraguay is a leader in defending democracy and calling Maduro as he is, a tyrant who has ruined his country," Pompeo said.

Foreign Minister Luis Castiglioni said Paraguay's position on Venezuela remained strongly aligned with that of the United States.

"We have always said: with dictators, with tyrants, there is no dialogue. You fight them. We must fight them until liberties are restored so that the Venezuelan people can return to live with dignity," he told reporters.

Asked by a US journalist if Paraguay would back military intervention in Venezuela, he said: "We are convinced that all the diplomatic efforts that are being made to isolate this regime will have results in a short time."

Transnational crime&nbsp;

The two officials also discussed Paraguay's commitments on combatting threats of terrorism, drug trafficking and transnational crime in what is known as the tri-border area, the border region Paraguay shares with Argentina and Brazil.

"Paraguay has declared all-out war against transnational crime," said Castiglioni.

"This battle that we are fighting is a battle of no return until we win. We have assured the Secretary of State that Paraguay wants to cooperate very closely with the US government since we are on the same path."

The US official said before his arrival in Chile on Friday that the current US administration had "spent a lot of time" in Latin America seeking to improve trade in a region which has turned its back in recent years on a slew of leftist governments.

"This is a historic opportunity," he told reporters, referring to "a handful of countries that are truly market driven, democratic in ways that we haven’t had in South America for decades. And we think it creates real opportunity."

Asked about China's influence at a press conference following a working lunch with his Chilean counterpart Roberto Ampuero, Pompeo said: "I think the Chilean government and the United States government both share the same concerns."

"China's trade activities often are deeply connected to their national security mission, their technological goals, their desire to steal intellectual property, to have forced technology transfer, to engage in activity that is not economic," he said.&nbsp;

He iterated his concerns Saturday in Peru.

"Too often we see China's predatory lending and debt diplomacy reverse positive advances in this area," he said.&nbsp;

"Our shared goal would be to resist Chinese overtures and promote transparency."

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo landed in Peru on Saturday on the third leg of a four-nation tour of Latin American allies focusing heavily on Venezuela and countering China's economic reach.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo landed in Peru on Saturday on the third leg of a four-nation tour of Latin American allies focusing heavily on Venezuela and countering China's economic reach. Pompeo held talks with President Martin Vizcarra and Foreign Minister Nestor Popolizio before attending a dinner for business leaders. He paid tribute to Peru's welcome for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan refugees and Vizcarra's fight against corruption, which has embroiled the previous four Peruvian presidents. But he became irritated when a reporter asked if that contradicted the US President Donald Trump's harsh immigration policy at home. "Our objective is to allow people to stay in their home countries, this is President Trump's desire, we want to create conditions in these countries where they can stay in their own country," he told the press conference with Popolizio. Pompeo also spoke by telephone with Brazil's Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo, the State Department announced late Saturday. "They reaffirmed the close friendship between the United States and Brazil and pledged to continue working together to address the... crises in Venezuela, their effects on Venezuela's neighbours, and the need for outside actors, including Cuba, Russia, and China, to stop propping up Nicolas Maduro," spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement. Visit Paraguay Earlier Pompeo had become the first US secretary of state to visit Paraguay, formerly ruled as a dictatorship, since 1965, paying tribute to the country's transition to democracy as an inspiration to the region. The top US diplomat arrived in Asuncion late Friday after talks with Chile's President Sebastian Pinera in Santiago that focused heavily on his country's developing trade relationship with China. The highlight of Pompeo's trip will be a brief visit Sunday to the Colombian city of Cucuta on the Venezuelan border, where he will meet refugees. All four countries on his itinerary are led by right-wing or centre-right leaders favourable to Washington's uncompromising approach to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. In Asuncion, Pompeo had praised Paraguay's support for US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido in Venezuela, and its role in the Lima Group of mostly Latin American nations seeking a solution to the Venezuela crisis. "Paraguay is a leader in defending democracy and calling Maduro as he is, a tyrant who has ruined his country," Pompeo said. Foreign Minister Luis Castiglioni said Paraguay's position on Venezuela remained strongly aligned with that of the United States. "We have always said: with dictators, with tyrants, there is no dialogue. You fight them. We must fight them until liberties are restored so that the Venezuelan people can return to live with dignity," he told reporters. Asked by a US journalist if Paraguay would back military intervention in Venezuela, he said: "We are convinced that all the diplomatic efforts that are being made to isolate this regime will have results in a short time." Transnational crime The two officials also discussed Paraguay's commitments on combatting threats of terrorism, drug trafficking and transnational crime in what is known as the tri-border area, the border region Paraguay shares with Argentina and Brazil. "Paraguay has declared all-out war against transnational crime," said Castiglioni. "This battle that we are fighting is a battle of no return until we win. We have assured the Secretary of State that Paraguay wants to cooperate very closely with the US government since we are on the same path." The US official said before his arrival in Chile on Friday that the current US administration had "spent a lot of time" in Latin America seeking to improve trade in a region which has turned its back in recent years on a slew of leftist governments. "This is a historic opportunity," he told reporters, referring to "a handful of countries that are truly market driven, democratic in ways that we haven’t had in South America for decades. And we think it creates real opportunity." Asked about China's influence at a press conference following a working lunch with his Chilean counterpart Roberto Ampuero, Pompeo said: "I think the Chilean government and the United States government both share the same concerns." "China's trade activities often are deeply connected to their national security mission, their technological goals, their desire to steal intellectual property, to have forced technology transfer, to engage in activity that is not economic," he said. He iterated his concerns Saturday in Peru. "Too often we see China's predatory lending and debt diplomacy reverse positive advances in this area," he said. "Our shared goal would be to resist Chinese overtures and promote transparency."

Pompeo in Peru to maintain regional pressure on Venezuela's Maduro

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-in-peru-to-maintain-regional-pressure-on-venezuelas-maduro-210223">US Secretary of State on a visit to Lima on Saturday</a> praised Peru for taking in 700,000 Venezuelans fleeing the political and humanitarian crisis in their country.&nbsp;

Mike Pompeo spoke to reporters alongside Minister of Foreign Affairs of Peru Nestor Popolizio after meeting President Martin Vizcarra in Lima.

"They, the people of Peru, generously host almost three-quarters of a million refugees from Venezuela," Pompeo said at the presidential palace.&nbsp;

"They fled their home country to escape the breakdown of health services, the limited water supply, the bare bread shelves, rolling blackouts and hyperinflation - part of the reason the United States has provided more than $30 million in humanitarian aid to Peru, complimenting your government’s efforts to provide protection for these Venezuelans," he added.&nbsp;

Pompeo said that Peru has "felt firsthand the effects of the disastrous Nicolas Maduro" administration, which Popolizio described as "illegitimate."

The US Secretary of State also thanked Peru for supporting Juan Guaido as the leader of the interim government in Venezuela and said that the responsibility of the country's refugees "lies squarely with Nicolas Maduro, not any policies that any democratic nation has taken with our deep intent to make lives better for the Venezuelan people."&nbsp;

"We in each case have exactly the same objective (as Peru). Our objective is to allow people to stay in their home countries... We want to create conditions in these countries where they can stay in their own country and they don’t have the need to migrate somewhere else from Venezuela," Pompeo said.

Popolizio said that Peru was working with the other countries of the Lima Group to step up international pressure to isolate Maduro's government and to support the people of Venezuela through humanitarian aid.

"In Venezuela, there is a systematic violation of human rights. We have to continue isolating Maduro's illegitimate and dictatorial regime," he added.

The Peruvian minister said that Peru, with the Lima Group, the Organization of American States and the Security Council, is carrying out a number of activities to complement the measures that the United States and other countries of the European Union have already taken in economic terms to isolate Maduro's government.

"In Venezuela, human rights are constantly being violated, as well as the freedoms. So we’re going to continue working under the scope of the Lima Group as well as with other countries to continue to isolate the illegitimate government of dictator Nicolas Maduro," Popolizio said.

Pompeo and the Peruvian president also discussed bilateral trade, which Pompeo said has "virtually doubled" since the signing of the trade agreement between the two countries in 2009, as well as the fight against corruption and drug-trafficking in the South American country.

Pompeo, whose tour includes Chile and Paraguay, will travel to the Venezuelan border in Colombia on Sunday to assess the situation of thousands of migrants fleeing Venezuela.&nbsp;

The US Secretary of State on a visit to Lima on Saturday praised Peru for taking in 700,000 Venezuelans fleeing the political and humanitarian crisis in their country.

The US Secretary of State on a visit to Lima on Saturday praised Peru for taking in 700,000 Venezuelans fleeing the political and humanitarian crisis in their country. Mike Pompeo spoke to reporters alongside Minister of Foreign Affairs of Peru Nestor Popolizio after meeting President Martin Vizcarra in Lima. "They, the people of Peru, generously host almost three-quarters of a million refugees from Venezuela," Pompeo said at the presidential palace. "They fled their home country to escape the breakdown of health services, the limited water supply, the bare bread shelves, rolling blackouts and hyperinflation - part of the reason the United States has provided more than $30 million in humanitarian aid to Peru, complimenting your government’s efforts to provide protection for these Venezuelans," he added. Pompeo said that Peru has "felt firsthand the effects of the disastrous Nicolas Maduro" administration, which Popolizio described as "illegitimate." The US Secretary of State also thanked Peru for supporting Juan Guaido as the leader of the interim government in Venezuela and said that the responsibility of the country's refugees "lies squarely with Nicolas Maduro, not any policies that any democratic nation has taken with our deep intent to make lives better for the Venezuelan people." "We in each case have exactly the same objective (as Peru). Our objective is to allow people to stay in their home countries... We want to create conditions in these countries where they can stay in their own country and they don’t have the need to migrate somewhere else from Venezuela," Pompeo said. Popolizio said that Peru was working with the other countries of the Lima Group to step up international pressure to isolate Maduro's government and to support the people of Venezuela through humanitarian aid. "In Venezuela, there is a systematic violation of human rights. We have to continue isolating Maduro's illegitimate and dictatorial regime," he added. The Peruvian minister said that Peru, with the Lima Group, the Organization of American States and the Security Council, is carrying out a number of activities to complement the measures that the United States and other countries of the European Union have already taken in economic terms to isolate Maduro's government. "In Venezuela, human rights are constantly being violated, as well as the freedoms. So we’re going to continue working under the scope of the Lima Group as well as with other countries to continue to isolate the illegitimate government of dictator Nicolas Maduro," Popolizio said. Pompeo and the Peruvian president also discussed bilateral trade, which Pompeo said has "virtually doubled" since the signing of the trade agreement between the two countries in 2009, as well as the fight against corruption and drug-trafficking in the South American country. Pompeo, whose tour includes Chile and Paraguay, will travel to the Venezuelan border in Colombia on Sunday to assess the situation of thousands of migrants fleeing Venezuela.

Pompeo praises 'generous' Peru for taking in 700,000 Venezuelans

Thanks to recycling, the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, located in southeastern Peru, has found a circular economy and sustainability that will lead to salvation in the face of the threat posed to this UNESCO World Heritage Site by tourism and the waste it generates.

Machu Picchu sees recycling as the path to environmental salvation

An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0 struck southeastern Peru on Friday but there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

It hit in the Andes region in a sparsely populated area.

The US Geological Survey said the epicentre was at a depth of 257 kilometres (160 miles). The agency said most big quakes in South America occur at a depth of 70 kilometres or more.

The quake hit at 0850 GMT about 27 kilometres northeast of the town of Azangaro, near the border with Bolivia.

Last week a quake measuring 7.5 with its epicentre in neighbouring Ecuador rattled the coast and Amazon region of northern Peru.

It left nine people injured and caused damage in Ecuador, but Peru was unscathed.

Peru is located in a seismically active region, and on January 14 last year a quake measuring 7.3 killed two people and toppled buildings near the southern city of Arequipa.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0 struck southeastern Peru on Friday but there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage. It hit in the Andes region in a sparsely populated area.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0 struck southeastern Peru on Friday but there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage. It hit in the Andes region in a sparsely populated area. The US Geological Survey said the epicentre was at a depth of 257 kilometres (160 miles). The agency said most big quakes in South America occur at a depth of 70 kilometres or more. The quake hit at 0850 GMT about 27 kilometres northeast of the town of Azangaro, near the border with Bolivia. Last week a quake measuring 7.5 with its epicentre in neighbouring Ecuador rattled the coast and Amazon region of northern Peru. It left nine people injured and caused damage in Ecuador, but Peru was unscathed. Peru is located in a seismically active region, and on January 14 last year a quake measuring 7.3 killed two people and toppled buildings near the southern city of Arequipa.

7.0-magnitude earthquake hits southeast Peru

At least 50 people have been killed as moderate and intense rains plague northern and central coastal regions of Peru causing severe flooding and damage to bridges, schools and other infrastructure.

Local media on Monday reported Peru's Centre for National Emergency Operations (COEN) had raised the death toll since the rainy season started in September to 50 after two people were killed by a landslide in Huancavelica.

Meteorologists blame the wetter rainy season on the El Nino effect. Peru's National Study of the El Nino Phenomenon released an official report on February 22 indicating March could see even more "rainy and very rainy days," which could cause further damage to Peru's northern and central coasts.

Thousands of families have been affected by the flood waters already with many calling on the government to do more to alleviate the situation.

The government has sent food and water to affected regions, but some residents are calling for new bridges over ravines and gorges, some of which have been flooding for weeks.

At least 50 people have been killed as moderate and intense rains plague northern and central coastal regions of Peru causing severe flooding and damage to bridges, schools and other infrastructure.

At least 50 people have been killed as moderate and intense rains plague northern and central coastal regions of Peru causing severe flooding and damage to bridges, schools and other infrastructure. Local media on Monday reported Peru's Centre for National Emergency Operations (COEN) had raised the death toll since the rainy season started in September to 50 after two people were killed by a landslide in Huancavelica. Meteorologists blame the wetter rainy season on the El Nino effect. Peru's National Study of the El Nino Phenomenon released an official report on February 22 indicating March could see even more "rainy and very rainy days," which could cause further damage to Peru's northern and central coasts. Thousands of families have been affected by the flood waters already with many calling on the government to do more to alleviate the situation. The government has sent food and water to affected regions, but some residents are calling for new bridges over ravines and gorges, some of which have been flooding for weeks.

At least 50 dead after intense rain plague northern, central coastal regions of Peru

Peruvian shamans predict ouster of Maduro, natural disasters in 2019

Peruvians welcome New Year with fighting festival

The president of the Peruvian Football Federation (FPF), Edwin Oviedo, was arrested on Thursday (December 6) in connection with an influence-peddling probe involving a former Supreme Court justice, a lead prosecutor said.

The FPF represents and is funded by soccer's world governing body FIFA, which has spent years trying to remake its image after a slew of graft scandals.

Prosecutors in Peru have accused Oviedo of giving former Supreme Court Justice Cesar Hinostroza cash and World Cup tickets in exchange for a court-ordered exclusion from a murder probe.

Oviedo and Hinostroza have repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

The president of the Peruvian Football Federation (FPF), Edwin Oviedo, was arrested on Thursday (December 6) in connection with an influence-peddling probe involving a former Supreme Court justice, a lead prosecutor said.

The president of the Peruvian Football Federation (FPF), Edwin Oviedo, was arrested on Thursday (December 6) in connection with an influence-peddling probe involving a former Supreme Court justice, a lead prosecutor said. The FPF represents and is funded by soccer's world governing body FIFA, which has spent years trying to remake its image after a slew of graft scandals. Prosecutors in Peru have accused Oviedo of giving former Supreme Court Justice Cesar Hinostroza cash and World Cup tickets in exchange for a court-ordered exclusion from a murder probe. Oviedo and Hinostroza have repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

Peru soccer chief arrested in influence-peddling probe

A highway in the Peruvian highlands near Lake Titicaca was the scene of a violent and deadly crash on Monday (November 05) that left at least 18 dead.

According to local media, a truck crashed head on into a passenger bus that left both vehicles completely destroyed and 18 people dead, among them 12 women and a child, and another 39 injured.

The bus could be seen lying on its side severely damaged by the crash.

The bus had departed earlier in the day from a city at Peru's border with Bolivia and was traveling along a highway that skirts the 3,812 meter (12,507 ft.) high Lake Titicaca when the crash occurred.

A highway in the Peruvian highlands near Lake Titicaca was the scene of a violent and deadly crash on Monday (November 05) that left at least 18 dead. According to local media, a truck crashed head on into a passenger bus that left both vehicles completely destroyed and 18 people dead, among them 12 women and a child, and another 39 injured.

A highway in the Peruvian highlands near Lake Titicaca was the scene of a violent and deadly crash on Monday (November 05) that left at least 18 dead. According to local media, a truck crashed head on into a passenger bus that left both vehicles completely destroyed and 18 people dead, among them 12 women and a child, and another 39 injured. The bus could be seen lying on its side severely damaged by the crash. The bus had departed earlier in the day from a city at Peru's border with Bolivia and was traveling along a highway that skirts the 3,812 meter (12,507 ft.) high Lake Titicaca when the crash occurred.

Peru bus crash leaves 18 dead, 39 injured

Peru, making their first appearance at the World Cup since 1982, will face Denmark, France and Australia in their group.

Recently, Paolo Guerrero was freed to take part as, earlier, he was tested positive for a cocaine byproduct contained in a tea and which he said he ingested unknowingly.

After returning to the squad, Guerrero scored twice in the 3-0 win over Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

His arrival led to Midfielder Sergio Pena's ouster from the final squad as Pena was forced to make way for captain Paolo Guerrero.

Twenty-three man squad:

Goalkeepers: Pedro Gallese (Veracruz), Carlos Caceda (Deportivo Municipal), Jose Carvallo (UTC).

Defenders: Aldo Corzo (Universitario), Luis Advincula (Lobos Buap), Christian Ramos (Veracruz), Miguel Araujo (Alianza Lima), Alberto Rodriguez (Atletico Junior), Anderson Santamaria (Puebla), Miguel Trauco (Flamengo), Nilson Loyola (Melgar).

Midfielders: Renato Tapia (Feyenoord), Pedro Aquino (Lobos Buap), Yoshimar Yotun (Orlando City), Paolo Hurtado (Vitoria Guimaraes), Christian Cueva (Sao Paulo), Edison Flores (Aalborg), Andy Polo (Portland Timbers), Wilder Cartagena (Veracruz).

Forwards: Andre Carrillo (Watford), Raul Ruidiaz (Morelia), Jefferson Farfan (Lokomotiv Moscow), Paolo Guerrero (Flamengo).

Peru, making their first appearance at the World Cup since 1982, will face Denmark, France and Australia in their group

Peru, making their first appearance at the World Cup since 1982, will face Denmark, France and Australia in their group. Recently, Paolo Guerrero was freed to take part as, earlier, he was tested positive for a cocaine byproduct contained in a tea and which he said he ingested unknowingly. After returning to the squad, Guerrero scored twice in the 3-0 win over Saudi Arabia on Sunday. His arrival led to Midfielder Sergio Pena's ouster from the final squad as Pena was forced to make way for captain Paolo Guerrero. Twenty-three man squad: Goalkeepers: Pedro Gallese (Veracruz), Carlos Caceda (Deportivo Municipal), Jose Carvallo (UTC). Defenders: Aldo Corzo (Universitario), Luis Advincula (Lobos Buap), Christian Ramos (Veracruz), Miguel Araujo (Alianza Lima), Alberto Rodriguez (Atletico Junior), Anderson Santamaria (Puebla), Miguel Trauco (Flamengo), Nilson Loyola (Melgar). Midfielders: Renato Tapia (Feyenoord), Pedro Aquino (Lobos Buap), Yoshimar Yotun (Orlando City), Paolo Hurtado (Vitoria Guimaraes), Christian Cueva (Sao Paulo), Edison Flores (Aalborg), Andy Polo (Portland Timbers), Wilder Cartagena (Veracruz). Forwards: Andre Carrillo (Watford), Raul Ruidiaz (Morelia), Jefferson Farfan (Lokomotiv Moscow), Paolo Guerrero (Flamengo).

FIFA World Cup 2018: 34-year-old Paolo Guerrero set to captain Peru

Peru captain Paolo Guerrero was cleared to play at the World Cup after a Swiss court agreed on Thursday to temporarily lift his doping suspension while it considered his appeal against a 14-month ban.

"As a consequence, Paolo Guerrero will be able to play at the World Cup in Russia," said the Swiss Federal Tribunal in a statement.

Earlier, Guerrero had&nbspcompleted a six-month ban from FIFA after testing positive for a byproduct of cocaine consumption when CAS extended the suspension, ruling him out of the World Cup.

Guerrero denied having used cocaine.

Guerrero has said that benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, was found in his system because of an herbal infusion he drank that was contaminated with coca leaf, an ingredient in cocaine which is also widely used as a non-narcotic traditional remedy in South America.

Guerrero, 34, unsuccessfully sought amnesty from FIFA President Gianni Infantino during a visit to Switzerland this week.

Guerrero had completed a six-month ban from FIFA after testing positive for a byproduct of cocaine consumption

Peru captain Paolo Guerrero was cleared to play at the World Cup after a Swiss court agreed on Thursday to temporarily lift his doping suspension while it considered his appeal against a 14-month ban. "As a consequence, Paolo Guerrero will be able to play at the World Cup in Russia," said the Swiss Federal Tribunal in a statement. Earlier, Guerrero had&nbspcompleted a six-month ban from FIFA after testing positive for a byproduct of cocaine consumption when CAS extended the suspension, ruling him out of the World Cup. Guerrero denied having used cocaine. Guerrero has said that benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, was found in his system because of an herbal infusion he drank that was contaminated with coca leaf, an ingredient in cocaine which is also widely used as a non-narcotic traditional remedy in South America. Guerrero, 34, unsuccessfully sought amnesty from FIFA President Gianni Infantino during a visit to Switzerland this week.

FIFA World Cup: Peru captain Paolo Guerrero free to play at World Cup after court ruling

The mega event hosted by Russia will be keenly followed by thousands of fans around the world

FIFA 2018: All you need to know about 21st edition of football World Cup

Thousands of Peruvians took to the streets on Saturday marching against abortion in capital city Lima.

Anti-abortion demonstrations were&nbsp;promoted by the Roman Catholic Church and evangelical groups.

Protestors and campaigners marched down Brazil Avenue, one of the main roads of the Peruvian capital, from the city centre to the Costa Verde.

A counter march was also organized by abortion rights campaigners. Pro-abortion campaigners maintained that rape victims&nbsp;should be entitled to an abortion.

Anti-abortion and right-wing groups estimate a total of 100,000 abortions take place in Peru every year. The groups also maintain that complications from botched abortions are a leading cause of death in Peruvian women.&nbsp;

Latin America and the Caribbean battle some of the world's most restrictive and regressive abortion laws. Peru identifies abortion as an illegal procedure exclusive to pregnant women who face a threat to their life or health.

(With inputs from Reuters)

A counter march was organized by abortion rights campaigners

Thousands of Peruvians took to the streets on Saturday marching against abortion in capital city Lima. Anti-abortion demonstrations were promoted by the Roman Catholic Church and evangelical groups. Protestors and campaigners marched down Brazil Avenue, one of the main roads of the Peruvian capital, from the city centre to the Costa Verde. A counter march was also organized by abortion rights campaigners. Pro-abortion campaigners maintained that rape victims should be entitled to an abortion. Anti-abortion and right-wing groups estimate a total of 100,000 abortions take place in Peru every year. The groups also maintain that complications from botched abortions are a leading cause of death in Peruvian women. Latin America and the Caribbean battle some of the world's most restrictive and regressive abortion laws. Peru identifies abortion as an illegal procedure exclusive to pregnant women who face a threat to their life or health. (With inputs from Reuters)

Thousands of Peruvians protest abortion in capital city Lima

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Saturday backed air strikes by the United States and its allies on Syria's chemical weapons program but Argentina, Brazil and Peru voiced caution during a regional summit about the escalating military action.

Speaking at the Summit of the Americas in Peru, Trudeau and several other Western Hemisphere leaders forcefully condemned the use of chemical weapons, following a suspected poison gas attack last week in a Damascus suburb that killed up to 75 people and sparked international outcry.

Washington blamed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government for the attack and, together with Britain and France, launched missile strikes overnight on what it said were Syrian chemical weapons facilities.

"Canada stands with our friends in this necessary response and we condemn in the strongest possible terms the use of chemical weapons in last week's attack," Trudeau said in his speech. "Those responsible must be brought to justice."

But the retaliatory action drew pleas for caution from several Latin American countries.

"There's deep concern in Brazil with the escalation of military conflict in Syria," Brazilian President Michel Temer told the summit. "It's time to find permanent solutions based on international law to a war that has been going for far too long and ended too many lives."

Peru, a non-permanent member of the UN&nbsp;Security Council, called for moderation from all parties involved in Syria and said it was working to find a political solution, according to a foreign ministry statement.

Argentine President Mauricio Macri also appealed for greater coordination on Syria "in the framework of existing international commitments", remarks later echoed by Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto.

Outside the summit, the strikes drew swift condemnation from left-leaning governments in Bolivia and Cuba, outspoken critics of US&nbsp;influence.

But Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, a close US&nbsp;ally in Latin America, appeared to back Washington as he condemned chemical weapons.

"We support actions to punish their use and seek their total elimination," Santos said.

The Pentagon said the missile strikes in Syria had hit every target. It said the military action was aimed at delivering an unambiguous signal to the Syrian government and deterring the future use of chemical weapons.

The official theme of the Summit of the Americas is the fight against corruption. Many countries in attendance are also expected to condemn a pending election in Venezuela.

But Syria, China and trade loomed over the talks on Saturday as Washington seeks to advance the agenda of U.S. President Donald Trump, which is widely unpopular in the region.

Trump canceled his attendance at the summit to focus on Syria. US Vice President Mike Pence, filling in for him, was expected to discuss Syria in his speech on Saturday and in meetings with heads of state.

Nafta talks

Pence met with Pena Nieto privately at the summit. The Mexican leader told reporters they would discuss not just the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) but also maintaining a relationship of "mutual respect" between their two countries.

Pence and Pena Nieto kept their remarks to reporters extremely brief - in contrast to the more expansive and warmer tone struck by Pence and Trudeau during the public part of a meeting held minutes earlier.

Trudeau said there was "positive momentum" on reworking the NAFTA accord - which groups Canada, Mexico and the United States - while Pence said talks were encouraging.

"As the president said very recently, we think we're close," Pence said before starting the meeting with Pena Nieto. "We are hopeful that we can conclude a successful renegotiation of NAFTA."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Saturday backed air strikes by the United States and its allies on Syria's chemical weapons program but Argentina, Brazil and Peru voiced caution during a regional summit about the escalating military action

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Saturday backed air strikes by the United States and its allies on Syria's chemical weapons program but Argentina, Brazil and Peru voiced caution during a regional summit about the escalating military action. Speaking at the Summit of the Americas in Peru, Trudeau and several other Western Hemisphere leaders forcefully condemned the use of chemical weapons, following a suspected poison gas attack last week in a Damascus suburb that killed up to 75 people and sparked international outcry. Washington blamed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government for the attack and, together with Britain and France, launched missile strikes overnight on what it said were Syrian chemical weapons facilities. "Canada stands with our friends in this necessary response and we condemn in the strongest possible terms the use of chemical weapons in last week's attack," Trudeau said in his speech. "Those responsible must be brought to justice." But the retaliatory action drew pleas for caution from several Latin American countries. "There's deep concern in Brazil with the escalation of military conflict in Syria," Brazilian President Michel Temer told the summit. "It's time to find permanent solutions based on international law to a war that has been going for far too long and ended too many lives." Peru, a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, called for moderation from all parties involved in Syria and said it was working to find a political solution, according to a foreign ministry statement. Argentine President Mauricio Macri also appealed for greater coordination on Syria "in the framework of existing international commitments", remarks later echoed by Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto. Outside the summit, the strikes drew swift condemnation from left-leaning governments in Bolivia and Cuba, outspoken critics of US influence. But Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, a close US ally in Latin America, appeared to back Washington as he condemned chemical weapons. "We support actions to punish their use and seek their total elimination," Santos said. The Pentagon said the missile strikes in Syria had hit every target. It said the military action was aimed at delivering an unambiguous signal to the Syrian government and deterring the future use of chemical weapons. The official theme of the Summit of the Americas is the fight against corruption. Many countries in attendance are also expected to condemn a pending election in Venezuela. But Syria, China and trade loomed over the talks on Saturday as Washington seeks to advance the agenda of U.S. President Donald Trump, which is widely unpopular in the region. Trump canceled his attendance at the summit to focus on Syria. US Vice President Mike Pence, filling in for him, was expected to discuss Syria in his speech on Saturday and in meetings with heads of state. Nafta talks Pence met with Pena Nieto privately at the summit. The Mexican leader told reporters they would discuss not just the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) but also maintaining a relationship of "mutual respect" between their two countries. Pence and Pena Nieto kept their remarks to reporters extremely brief - in contrast to the more expansive and warmer tone struck by Pence and Trudeau during the public part of a meeting held minutes earlier. Trudeau said there was "positive momentum" on reworking the NAFTA accord - which groups Canada, Mexico and the United States - while Pence said talks were encouraging. "As the president said very recently, we think we're close," Pence said before starting the meeting with Pena Nieto. "We are hopeful that we can conclude a successful renegotiation of NAFTA."

Canada backs Syria strikes but others concerned at Americas summit

Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra swore in an entirely new Cabinet on Monday that was praised by the rightwing opposition as a way to reset the once rocky relations between the executive and legislative branches that helped bring down his predecessor.

The new Cabinet, a mix of high-ranking civil servants, politicians and private sector specialists, is led by Prime Minister Cesar Villanueva, an opposition lawmaker who had led efforts to impeach centre-right ex-president Pedro Pablo Kuczynski.

Kuczynski's 20 months in office had been marked by clashes with Congress and the rightwing party Popular Force that controls a majority of seats.

Kuczynski resigned mired in vote-buying and graft scandals on the eve of the impeachment vote last month, and Vizcarra, his vice president, promised a clean slate when he replaced him.

So far, Popular Force lawmakers appear happy with the changes, especially Villanueva, a twice-elected former governor of an Amazonian region who earned a reputation in Congress as a bridge builder.

"I think he has the right experience to be the prime minister the country needs right now," said Rosa Maria Bartra, a Popular Force lawmaker.&nbsp

In a ceremony at the presidential palace, Vizcarra also swore in a former local manager for mining company Nexa Resources, Francisco Ismodes, as energy and mines minister and a former director of Latin America's CAF development bank, David Tuesta, as finance minister.

Tuesta, who had also worked as chief economist for BBVA Research, will be Peru's third finance minister in the past year. He will take the reins of one of Latin America's most promising markets and the world`s No. 2 copper producer as the central bank has called for the new government to restore fiscal sustainability by avoiding unnecessary spending.

Vizcarra has yet to announce any policy proposals, but no major changes to Peru's economic model are expected.

Vizcarra has yet to announce any policy proposals, but no major changes to Peru's economic model are expected

Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra swore in an entirely new Cabinet on Monday that was praised by the rightwing opposition as a way to reset the once rocky relations between the executive and legislative branches that helped bring down his predecessor. The new Cabinet, a mix of high-ranking civil servants, politicians and private sector specialists, is led by Prime Minister Cesar Villanueva, an opposition lawmaker who had led efforts to impeach centre-right ex-president Pedro Pablo Kuczynski. Kuczynski's 20 months in office had been marked by clashes with Congress and the rightwing party Popular Force that controls a majority of seats. Kuczynski resigned mired in vote-buying and graft scandals on the eve of the impeachment vote last month, and Vizcarra, his vice president, promised a clean slate when he replaced him. So far, Popular Force lawmakers appear happy with the changes, especially Villanueva, a twice-elected former governor of an Amazonian region who earned a reputation in Congress as a bridge builder. "I think he has the right experience to be the prime minister the country needs right now," said Rosa Maria Bartra, a Popular Force lawmaker. In a ceremony at the presidential palace, Vizcarra also swore in a former local manager for mining company Nexa Resources, Francisco Ismodes, as energy and mines minister and a former director of Latin America's CAF development bank, David Tuesta, as finance minister. Tuesta, who had also worked as chief economist for BBVA Research, will be Peru's third finance minister in the past year. He will take the reins of one of Latin America's most promising markets and the world`s No. 2 copper producer as the central bank has called for the new government to restore fiscal sustainability by avoiding unnecessary spending. Vizcarra has yet to announce any policy proposals, but no major changes to Peru's economic model are expected.

Peru's Vizcarra unveils new Cabinet, wins praise from opposition

Peru's new president fell short of reaffirming that the Andean country will ban Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro from attending a regional summit Peru is hosting next month, saying on Tuesday that he would leave the matter to top diplomats.

Martin Vizcarra, who had been Peru's vice president, abruptly became president last week after Pedro Pablo Kuczynski resigned amid growing graft allegations.

A former Wall Street banker who once held US citizenship, Kuczynski had been one of Maduro's most outspoken critics, deeming him a "dictator" and barring him from the Summit of the Americas that Peru will host on April 13-14.

Maduro vowed to attend the summit anyway, and his loyalists exulted over Kuczynski's downfall with a fireworks display last week.

But Vizcarra declined to weigh in on the dispute as he focuses on building support across Peru by promising to refocus the government's attention on domestic problems that had been neglected while Kuczynski struggled to remain in power.

After returning from a coastal region still reeling from severe floods last year, Vizcarra was asked at a news conference what he thought about Maduro's being banned from the summit.

"Our foreign policy is so delicate we must leave it in the hands of specialists," Vizcarra told journalists at the presidential palace. "The foreign affairs ministry is taking the corresponding decisions that we`ll support."

The comment appeared to signal a more hands-off approach to foreign policy.

A spokesman for the foreign affairs ministry said its position of barring Maduro was unchanged, but noted that Vizcarra had not yet sat down to talk with top diplomatic officials.

Vizcarra promised a "completely new" Cabinet upon taking office on Friday but has yet to name his foreign minister or other appointments. He said he would unveil his Cabinet next Monday.

Vizcarra said there would no changes to the agenda of the Summit of the Americas, which will celebrate "democratic governance against corruption" in a host country where three out of the four past presidents are subjects in graft probes.

US President Donald Trump and other leaders in the Americas plan to attend the summit.

Vizcarra noted that various heads of state, starting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, had called him after he took office to reconfirm their attendance.

"We think the event in Peru is going to be a success," Vizcarra said.

The former governor of a small mining region, Vizcarra served as Peru's ambassador to Canada, as well as vice president before he was called home to replace Kuczynski.

Peru is hosting a regional summit next month

Peru's new president fell short of reaffirming that the Andean country will ban Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro from attending a regional summit Peru is hosting next month, saying on Tuesday that he would leave the matter to top diplomats. Martin Vizcarra, who had been Peru's vice president, abruptly became president last week after Pedro Pablo Kuczynski resigned amid growing graft allegations. A former Wall Street banker who once held US citizenship, Kuczynski had been one of Maduro's most outspoken critics, deeming him a "dictator" and barring him from the Summit of the Americas that Peru will host on April 13-14. Maduro vowed to attend the summit anyway, and his loyalists exulted over Kuczynski's downfall with a fireworks display last week. But Vizcarra declined to weigh in on the dispute as he focuses on building support across Peru by promising to refocus the government's attention on domestic problems that had been neglected while Kuczynski struggled to remain in power. After returning from a coastal region still reeling from severe floods last year, Vizcarra was asked at a news conference what he thought about Maduro's being banned from the summit. "Our foreign policy is so delicate we must leave it in the hands of specialists," Vizcarra told journalists at the presidential palace. "The foreign affairs ministry is taking the corresponding decisions that we`ll support." The comment appeared to signal a more hands-off approach to foreign policy. A spokesman for the foreign affairs ministry said its position of barring Maduro was unchanged, but noted that Vizcarra had not yet sat down to talk with top diplomatic officials. Vizcarra promised a "completely new" Cabinet upon taking office on Friday but has yet to name his foreign minister or other appointments. He said he would unveil his Cabinet next Monday. Vizcarra said there would no changes to the agenda of the Summit of the Americas, which will celebrate "democratic governance against corruption" in a host country where three out of the four past presidents are subjects in graft probes. US President Donald Trump and other leaders in the Americas plan to attend the summit. Vizcarra noted that various heads of state, starting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, had called him after he took office to reconfirm their attendance. "We think the event in Peru is going to be a success," Vizcarra said. The former governor of a small mining region, Vizcarra served as Peru's ambassador to Canada, as well as vice president before he was called home to replace Kuczynski.

Peru's new president leaves summit ban on Maduro up to diplomats

Social media users were completely tuned into a short video of a rat taking shower that was being circulated on almost all sharing platforms as of yesterday.

Originated from Peru, the video showed a tiny rat scrubbing lather from soap on his body generously in a human-like act over a 30-second long video.&nbsp;

Watch the video:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C535gMNdiDk" width="970"></iframe>

It is now found that the shower rat is actually a misnomer -- as it is neither a rat nor is taking a shower.&nbsp;

Dallas Krentzel, an evolutionary biologist who studies rodent diversity at the University of Chicago at the Field Museum told a website: &quot;With the large head size, bipedal position, flexible forelimbs, short stiff tail, and consistent coat color...this animal fits the ID of a pacarana.&quot;

Krentzel added:&nbsp;&quot;There is just no other rodent that would fit all of those features and the fact that this video was taken in Peru where pacaranas are known just seals the deal.&nbsp;Both pacas and pacaranas are some of my favourite species for how weird they are, so I took notice of this post today.&quot;

Pacarana is a different type of brown rodent from South America. They are arboreal, meaning their habitats are in trees. Pacaranas are also fairly comfortable standing on their hind legs, and many online videos of pacaranas show the rodents standing upright.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Krenztel also said that the animal in the video, standing next to a drain, is larger than a rat and has a very large face.&nbsp;Also unlike rats, it doesn&#39;t have a long, snake-like tail.

Meanwhile, rat enthusiasts are concerned about the welfare of the animal as rats clean themselves by licking and so much soap on his body isn&#39;t good for him.&nbsp;

Some even point out that the young pacarana might have been covered with soap, which it has been trying to get rid of in the video.&nbsp;

The video's origins have been identified as Peru -- in which the rodent can be seen rubbing lather from soap on his tiny body

Social media users were completely tuned into a short video of a rat taking shower that was being circulated on almost all sharing platforms as of yesterday. Originated from Peru, the video showed a tiny rat scrubbing lather from soap on his body generously in a human-like act over a 30-second long video. Watch the video: It is now found that the shower rat is actually a misnomer -- as it is neither a rat nor is taking a shower. Dallas Krentzel, an evolutionary biologist who studies rodent diversity at the University of Chicago at the Field Museum told a website: "With the large head size, bipedal position, flexible forelimbs, short stiff tail, and consistent coat color...this animal fits the ID of a pacarana." Krentzel added: "There is just no other rodent that would fit all of those features and the fact that this video was taken in Peru where pacaranas are known just seals the deal. Both pacas and pacaranas are some of my favourite species for how weird they are, so I took notice of this post today." Pacarana is a different type of brown rodent from South America. They are arboreal, meaning their habitats are in trees. Pacaranas are also fairly comfortable standing on their hind legs, and many online videos of pacaranas show the rodents standing upright. Krenztel also said that the animal in the video, standing next to a drain, is larger than a rat and has a very large face. Also unlike rats, it doesn't have a long, snake-like tail. Meanwhile, rat enthusiasts are concerned about the welfare of the animal as rats clean themselves by licking and so much soap on his body isn't good for him. Some even point out that the young pacarana might have been covered with soap, which it has been trying to get rid of in the video.

Mystery unveiled: Viral 'Shower Rat' is neither a rat nor in shower!

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