In the news:
Originally published Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 6:19 PM
Indians, Panama gov't in deal to end road blockade
Members of an Indian tribe in Panama have agreed with the government to end a highway blockade in return for the release of demonstrators detained when police used tear gas to clear the road over the weekend.
The Associated Press
Members of an Indian tribe in Panama have agreed with the government to end a highway blockade in return for the release of demonstrators detained when police used tear gas to clear the road over the weekend.
Presidency minister Jimmy Papadimitriu says Panama will also compensate the family of an indigenous man who was killed in Sunday's clashes during which 40 other people were injured and 44 people were arrested.
Tuesday's agreement is only the beginning of talks with the government over mining projects and dams that members of the Ngobe-Bugle tribe don't want built in their western Panama lands.
The Indians first set up a blockade Jan. 30 to protest that lawmakers refused to prohibit the large-scale projects. The roadblocks stranded Central American travelers.
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