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In an effort to keep current information passing your way, I thought this story may be of interest to you. I have read this on various news wires and think it is interesting on various levels. I believe it is tremendously important for each of you to remain up to speed with the politics of this country as it is in such a transitional time. Here is the story from the Prensa Latina
Prensa Latina (English)
Nobel Menchu: Peace not PoliticsGuatemala, May 27 (Prensa Latina) Indigenous leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Rigoberta Menchu, considered to be the most notable woman of Guatemala, showed her willingness to be a presidential candidate someday, although she said it will not be in the next elections.
“Of course I think I am able to govern the nation but not until the right time,” Menchu told Prensa Latina.
The outstanding indigenous leader was born in Chimel, Uspantan, in 1959, to a family of farmers of the Maya-Quiche ethnic group. Her parents and some of her brothers died due to army actions during the 1960-1996 armed conflict.
Her father and several farmers were killed when the police burnt the Spanish embassy in 1980, after indigenous people seized it to protest persecution.
Menchu´s struggle and endeavors in favor of human rights, especially those of the indigenous groups, influenced the awarding to her of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1992.
“The Nobel Prize will have a great meaning as long as I am alive,” she said at the time, and still seeks seeks no public post but will continue her quest for peace.
Rigoberta Menchu, together with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour, presided over a meeting of Guatemalan women on Friday.
In the meeting, female representatives from various sectors discussed the poverty, exclusion, racism and discrimination they still face today, and criticized the Guatemalan government for not helping them achieve a more dignified way of life.
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With a system of government that shifts so often like the one in Guatemala, it would be interesting to see how this woman may affect change on her country. Some things that are of note is that she is an indigenous person which would be a huge statement in this region and she obviously is a woman which would speak well for women’s rights in the region. Her Nobel Peace Prize will be a tremendous plus for her should she decided to run for President. Her work in seeking justice for crimes during the war have made her one of the most notable Guatemalans of her time.
I will keep you updated with what I hear! Read more about Rigoberta Menchú at nobelprize.org
