The US State Department announced Sunday that Secretary Anthony Blinken spoke Friday with Peruvian President Dina Poloarte, whose country has been rocked by bloody protests since the ouster of her predecessor Pedro Castillo.
During the December 16 call, Blinken encouraged "civilian authorities and institutions in Peru to redouble their efforts to initiate necessary reforms and protect democratic stability," according to State Department spokesman Ned Price.
The US Secretary of State also stressed "the need for all Peruvian parties to engage in constructive dialogue in order to reduce political divisions and focus on reconciliation."
"The United States looks forward to working closely with President Polwarty on shared goals and values ​​related to democracy, human rights, security, anti-corruption, and economic prosperity," he added.
Dina Polwarti, who was vice president to left-wing President Pedro Castillo before his impeachment, insisted she would not step down and urged parliament to bring forward the date for general elections.
Castillo, 53, announced on December 7 the dissolution of parliament, which shortly voted by a large majority to dismiss him for his "moral inability" to rule.
Castillo was arrested while trying to take refuge in the Mexican embassy.
Since then, protests have erupted, leaving at least 19 dead and 569 injured, including minors.
Blinken spoke with the President of Peru on Friday and urged her to make reforms
