Peru to restore critic's nationality

The Peruvian prime minister, Federico Salas, says congress is considering restoring Peruvian nationality to an Israeli-born media owner who's been an outspoken government critic.

The businessman, Baruch Ivcher, lost his adopted Peruvian citizenship in 1997 after angering the government with allegations on his television station of torture in the army and illegal telephone-tapping.

As a foreigner, his broadcasting licence was revoked and his television channel was taken over by pro-government shareholders.

Opposition groups welcomed the move, but said Mr Ivcher's television licence should be restored.

Mr Ivcher's nationality status is an issue raised by the Organisation of American States as a test on whether democracy is strengthening in Peru. A high-level OAS delegation is currently in Lima holding talks with the government on proposed changes, including judicial and electoral reforms.

This follows the recent presidential elections which were marred by fraud.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service