Strasbourg - The European Parliament urged Mexico yesterday to carry out an "objective, effective inquiry" into the pre-Christmas massacre of Indians in southern Chiapas state.
The EU assembly also called on the Mexican President, Mr Ernesto Zedillo, to work for a negotiated settlement to the conflict there "by dialogue and negotiation" leading to the end of any paramilitary presence in the area.
Paramilitaries loyal to the Institutional Revolutionary Party gunned down 45 Indian refugees on December 22nd for their alleged support of pro-Indian Zapatista guerrillas. Most of the victims were women and children.