Dina Boluarte

Peru's powerful Prime Minister Alberto Otarola resigned Tuesday amid allegations of influence-peddling to help a young woman he is said to have addressed lovingly in recordings released by news media.

Otarola told reporters in Lima that "in conversation with the president of the republic I have announced my decision to present my resignation."

Chile's former president Sebastian Pinera, a billionaire tycoon who twice held the South American nation's top job, died Tuesday in a helicopter crash, his office said in a statement.

The 74-year-old Pinera often flew himself around in his own helicopter, and was a former shareholder in the country's national airline, with stakes in television and football, among other businesses.

Peru indefinitely shut the famed ancient ruins of Machu Picchu on Saturday in the latest sign that anti-government protests that began last month are increasingly engulfing the South American country.

 Thousands of protesters poured into Peru's capital Thursday, clashing with police amid tear gas and smoke and demanding the ouster of President Dina Boluarte. Many came from remote Andean regions, where 55 people have died amid unrest since Peru's first president from a rural Andean background was removed from office last month.

Describing the current situation in Peru as "precarious" due to violent demonstrations in the South American country, the Greek Foreign Ministry is advising Greek citizens to avoid traveling there.

It also recommends that Greeks who are already there avoid unnecessary travel and observe security measures.

At least 17 people were killed in clashes near Juliaca airport in southeastern Peru on Monday, said the local ombudsman's office, reported DW News.