Ngbe Bugl congress leaders want Varela meeting

THE PRESIDENT of the  Ngäbe Buglé General Congress went to the office of the Presidency on Friday  September 23,  calling for a meeting with President Juan Carlos Varela about the Barro Blanco hydroelectric project.

Demesio Cases was received by a senior official.

At a later press conference  Varela said: “The government maintains its position of dialogue and defense of the legal security of the country.” Reports La Prensa.

The President  said that although indigenous leaders have rejected a settlement on the issue, the two sides will continue discussions.

On Sept. 17 the Ngäbe Buglé General Congress decided not to endorse the agreement signed by authorities of the region and the government on August 22.

The agreement had been hailed as historic by the government, but has split the indigenous community