Massacre in Guatemala Raises Fears

GUATEMALA CITY — The massacre of 10 peasants by soldiers endangers the return of thousands of refugees, a refugee leader said Friday.

Soldiers threw grenades and fired at a refugee settlement community about 80 miles north of the capital Thursday, killing 10 people, including two children. At least 18 others were injured.

“We believe this puts the peace process at grave risk and shows the lack of willingness on the army’s part to sign an eventual peace agreement,” Ricardo Curtz said.

The 34-year civil war has claimed more than 100,000 lives and created at least 45,000 refugees. Peace talks between the government and guerrillas are scheduled to reopen next week.

One of the wounded, Rosanda Sales Ortiz, said 30 soldiers interrupted a Thursday afternoon celebration of the anniversary of the some refugees’ return.

“We told them, ‘We don’t want armed people here, not the government army or guerrillas.’ They got mad and began shooting,” she said.

Defense Minister Mario Enriquez claimed that the soldiers acted in self-defense, saying villagers attacked and disarmed some soldiers after inviting them into the community.