Mexico Promises to Maintain Commitment to Indigenous

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MEXICAN GOVERNMENT MAINTAINS COMMITMENT TO INDIGENOUS

MEXICO, Jan 17 (PL) Indigenous Development Department representative Xochitl
Galvez today promised to transform public policy to get to the bottom of the
problems affecting communities.

The Otomi representative stated she would encourage the changes by the
Pacification and Concordia Commission (COCOPA) for Chiapas, after they
become constitutional reforms.

In statements to Reforma daily, Galvez reiterated her commitment to attend
to basic indigenous needs such as education, health and respect for their
languages.

She said she was open to dialogue, to their social demands and supported the
negotiated solution to the seven-year conflict between the government and
the Zapatista insurgents in Chiapas.

The former entrepreneur explained that the guerrilla leader, known as
Sub-Commander Marcos, has demanded hospitals, for indigenous' health care.

I believe I have the humility to tell Marcos that helping my communities,
which basic needs have been forgotten, is my only reason to be here, she
said.

Galvez emphasized that the problems of the indigenous would be attended to,
with respect for their traditions and the right to attend clinics with good
service and without shortage of medicine.

She indicated the Chiapas issue is one of the most important for the
department she heads and was confident of President Vicente Fox' commitment
to remove the military from the guerrilla zone and to sign a peace treaty.

However, she noted that reaching peace requires a great deal of money since
it implies the solution to social problems. We are striving for that but
resources are insufficient, she pointed out.

In her statements to press, she called for the adjustment of Mexican foreign
policy v/v international aid, as there are many organizations demanding that
Mexico solve the conflict in Chiapas and provide social support. ECQ/CCS

 
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