(20 Apr 1996) Spanish/Nat
After 12 years of living as refugees in Mexico, close to 1,000 Guatemalan refugees returned to their country Friday.
Travelling in a truck and bus caravan, the group made its way across the Mexico-Guatemala border for a special welcome.
The townspeople of San Lucas Sacatepequez lined the streets to welcome the returning refugees.
Firecrackers exploded while people waved flags and blew on conch shells for the passing trucks and buses full of people coming home.
After living in Mexican refugee camps for about 12 years, over nine-hundred people now back in Guatemala will be placed in the northern department of Alta Verapaz.
The caravan of 40 buses and 44 trucks crossed the border at Huehuetenango Friday after a four-day trip which will continue through Monday when they reach Alta Verapaz.
They spent their first night at a boys' school where the National Commission for the Repatriation of Refugees and Displaced People (CEAR) looked after them. Other organizations, such as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) will play a role in the return.
SOUNDBITE: Spanish
"What we hope from Guatemala is peace and development."
SUPER CAPTION: Nicolas Lopez, Returning refugee
Over 40,000 Guatemalan peasants fled to Mexico in the 1980s. Mostly Maya-speaking Indians, the peasants lived at camps in the Mexican states of Chiapas, Campeche, and Quintana Roo. But progressing peace talks have prompted many to return.
At least 100,000 people have been killed in the country's 34-year-old civil war.
SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
"I think that peace will be close when each Guatemalan respects human rights. Without respect, there cannot be peace."
SUPER CAPTION: Vox pop, Returning refugee
Various organizations are providing the group with basic necessities so they can start new lives in Guatemala. Indian activist Rigoberta Menchu encouraged support for the returnees.
SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
"All these people have awaited the return for a long time and it has gone without problems. They come with much enthusiasm to begin again their lives in Guatemala. I think it is important to help them to begin again."
SUPER CAPTION: Rigoberta Menchu
The refugees will continue their travels until they arrive Monday at a ranch in Tuila where CEAR will provide them with food and shelter for three months, medical care, farming tools, and seeds.
This group of repatriated refugees brings this year's total to 2,000. Since 1986, over 30 thousand people have been moved to other towns in Guatemala.
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