The new bill forms part of the government's commitments under the December peace accords. Several hundred soldiers left maimed by the civil war here gathered yesterday to demand greater compensation for their injuries. The ex-combatants, many of whom lost limbs or were blinded during the war, doubt the training they are receiving will help them find employment in the country's shrinking job market. According to Defense Minister Gen. Julio Balconi Turcios, the army has registered approximately 1,260 permanently disabled soldiers. Some representatives threatened to reorganize the armed patrols if their demands are not met.
Some groups appear to have already taken the armed option.
An armed band has fired on the army garrison in Vizan, Joyabaj, Quiche province, three times in late April and early May, Balconi reported May 8. Balconi coincided with URNG representatives in discounting the participation of former rebel combatants in the attack. Residents of marginal communities situated on state lands will have the opportunity to legalize their tenancy if an amendment the government proposed to Congress yesterday receives the House's approval. In the case of state lands, income from the sales would be channeled into new housing projects for homeless families. Municipalities and state institutions would keep the profits from the sale of their lands.