Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Guatemala City (Agenzia Fides) - The government of Guatemala has asked for the mediation of the Catholic Church in the negotiations with the indigenous, who refuse to accept the activities of the mining industry in their communities.
According to the note sent to Fides Agenzia from local sources, Guatemalan President Otto Perez Molina, accompanied by ministers and assistants, on Thursday, October 2, had a meeting at the seat of the Apostolic Nunciature with some members of the Catholic hierarchy, to present the request and assess the situation. In a public note, the government announced that it had asked the Episcopal Conference of Guatemala for "mediation to encourage dialogue and resolve situations that are occurring with regard to the mining industry and hydropower".
Indigenous communities have made a stand for some time to projects in their lands, as they believe that they pollute and destroy the natural environment, moreover they do not bring benefits to the local population. On 19 and 20 September in the indigenous community of the town of San Juan Sacatepequez, there were episodes of violence that caused the death of eight people, six were wounded and 150 people reported.
In order to restore order and ensure security, the government declared curfew in this town (see Fides 25/09/2014). However, demonstrations, work stoppages, roadblocks and other actions continue causing injuries and violent clashes between residents and security forces. After the meeting with representatives of the Catholic Church on 2 October, the government has announced a further 15 days of curfew. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 06/10/2014)
