UN urges talks after violent Guatemala protest

The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has urged the Guatemalan government to engage in talks with a local resistance movement following violent clashes last week that left at least 26 injured, including 13 police officers.

Since March 2012, hundreds of locals had peacefully blocked the entrance to U.S.-based Kappes, Cassiday & Associates El Tambor gold project, in the area of San José del Golfo.

But after the violent clashes last week, the UN body criticized Guatemalan authorities' handling of the protest, and called the company to resume talks with locals, offering to act as witness of honour.

Source: Mining