Road blocks end as Government begins talks with mining protestors

A six man government delegation began meetings with Nagabe Bugle in leaders on Sunday evening, February 27, to discuss the stand off over the enactment of changes to mining regulations in Panama.

The meeting resulted in the signing of an agreement leading to the continuation of talks on Tuesday March 1.
The introduction of Law 8, amending the mining code has led to nationwide protests and the blocking of the Pan American Highway, bringing transport to a halt in key areas.
The government team was headed by Minister of the Presidency Jimmy Papadimitriu. With him were Minister of Government Roxana Méndez, legislators Osman Gómez and Rogelio Baruco, Maritime Authority Director Roberto Linares and Assistant Secretary of the National Assembly Luis Eduardo Camacho.
The meeting, began at 7:30 p.m. in Chiriquí, and was moderated by the Bishop of the David Diocese José Luis Lacunza.
Indigenous leader Rogelio Montezuma started the meeting by asking for the release of all protesters detained by police and the immediate repeal of the reforms.
Montezuma also asked the government not to retaliate against those who have participated in protests.

Papadimitriu said the request will be analyzed.

Protesters have blocked the Pan American Highway since Saturday morning stranding buses and cars and trucks and , forcing travelers to spend the night in their vehicles. Protests have been going on for two weeks.
President , Ricardo Martinelli, said that through dialogue issues are resolved. "I regret that this situation happened but more importantly itis being  resolved and we are here for the people of the region Ngäbe Bugle to understand that there will be no mining, "
The agreement was signed by the president of the Coordinadora, Rogelio Montezuma, Minister of the Presidency, Jimmy Papadimitriu and Bishop Lacunza.