And this news from Peru: Thousands of people protested outside the courtyard of the government palace, where President Alberto Fujimori has been holed up. Brushing aside the threat of international isolation and demonstrations nationwide, Fujimori is pushing ahead with Sunday’s presidential runoff against economist Alejandro Toledo, who refuses to participate in what he is calling a protest campaign of corruption. The National Election Board confirmed yesterday that the vote would take place as scheduled, despite demands for a delay from Toledo and international monitors who say more time is needed to guarantee a fair election. Groups from Organization of American States, as well as the Carter Center, have announced that they are pulling out their observer missions for the runoff. Again, thousands of people protesting in the streets in Lima, as well as the second largest city of Arequipa in Peru.