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Panama Indians win withdrawal of dam, mines law

Thu Feb 2, 2012 6:24 PM EST
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Associated Press
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<p>Protesters from the Ngobe-Bugle tribe block a road during a protest in El Vigui, Panama, Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012. Members of the Indian tribe blocked roads in two provinces on the border with Costa Rica in a dispute over mineral exploitation on their lands. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco)</p>

Protesters from the Ngobe-Bugle tribe block a road during a protest in El Vigui, Panama, Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012. Members of the Indian tribe blocked roads in two provinces on the border with Costa Rica in a dispute over mineral exploitation on their lands. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco)

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PANAMA CITY — Legislators in Panama have agreed to reconsider a law on dams and mining that set off disruptive protests by Indians and their supporters.

The decision is a partial victory for the Ngobe-Bugle tribe, which has led highway blockades since Jan. 30 to oppose the new law. Its initial approval last month drew anger because it would theoretically allow the construction of dams on Indian lands in western Panama.

A congressional commission decided late Wednesday to return the law to debate, and Indian representatives and legislators have begun discussions on possible modifications.

Laws in Panama must win approval in three separate votes in Congress.

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