July 23, 2002

LIMA, Peru - Peru's normally quarrelsome political parties and civic groups have sealed an agreement that lays out several broad policies for economic and political development over the next 20 years.

The National Accord was signed late Monday by President Alejandro Toledo and leaders of key political parties, unions, business associations and church groups.

The agreement, inked after nearly eight months of negotiations, sets out 29 policy goals, including providing education and health services for all Peruvians, strengthening democratic institutions and wiping out corruption.

"The national accord that we just signed reflects the willingness of Peruvians to face the challenges of the future based on three goals: to do it in democracy, to do it together and based on a grand national project," Toledo said at a ceremony in the Government Palace.

Several foreign dignitaries, including Cesar Gaviria, secretary-general of the Organization of American States, attended the ceremony.

"The accord signifies the restoration of a culture of dialogue," former Prime Minister Roberto Danino, who oversaw the drafting of the agreement, said Tuesday. He was replaced earlier this month by Luis Solari, a leading figure in Toledo's Peru Possible party.

Toledo took office July 28 of last year, ushering in Peru's return to full democracy. An eight-month transition government had run the country following the collapse of ex-President Alberto Fujimori authoritarian government in a corruption scandal.

Toledo has had a rocky first year in office and his popularity ratings have sunk to below 20 percent. Various groups have staged frequent protests against the government's economic policies.

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