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Indians, Panama gov't in deal to end road blockade

Riot police detain a member of the Ngobe-Bugle ethnic group man after clash with riot police at the Pan American highway in San Felix, Panama, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012. A group of indigenous protesters has blockaded the Pan-American Highway in Panama for days to protest the recent approval of mines and reservoirs in their region. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco)

Riot police run to clear a road blockade set by members of the Ngobe-Bugle ethnic group at the Pan American highway in El Vigui, Panama, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012. Ngobe-Bugle people blocked roads in two provinces on the border with Costa Rica to protest against mineral exploitation on their lands. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco)

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The Associated Press 9:21 PM Tuesday, February 7, 2012

PANAMA CITY — Members of an Indian tribe in Panama have agreed with the government to end a highway blockade in return for the release of demonstrators detained when police used tear gas to clear the road over the weekend.

Presidency minister Jimmy Papadimitriu says Panama will also compensate the family of an indigenous man who was killed in Sunday's clashes during which 40 other people were injured and 44 people were arrested.

Tuesday's agreement is only the beginning of talks with the government over mining projects and dams that members of the Ngobe-Bugle tribe don't want built in their western Panama lands.

The Indians first set up a blockade Jan. 30 to protest that lawmakers refused to prohibit the large-scale projects. The roadblocks stranded Central American travelers.

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February 08, 2012 02:18 AM EST

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