El Salvador President asks for forgiveness for El Mozote Massacre

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As part of the twentieth anniversary of the signing of peace accords, President Mauricio Funes Cartagena asked for forgiveness on behalf of the state for a massacre that took place in 1981. El Mozote. 16th January 2012

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in Politics, on the 16th of January 2012

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The President of El Salvador sheds a few tears during his speech asking for forgiveness on behalf of the state for the massacre that took place in El Mozote.

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A boy seen here with two flags, waiting for the ceremony.

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People hold a banner to request the implementation of drug laws.

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The place was crowded, as seen here.

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A boy watches the ceremony.

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Front view of the monument to the victims of the El Mozote massacre, when Salvadoran armed forces killed at least 200 and perhaps as many as 1,000 civilians in an anti-guerrilla campaign.

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Detail of a plaque where some names of the victims are written at the monument to the victims of the El Mozote massacre.

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A craftsman makes a gift for the president of the republic.

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Music is played as a part of the ceremony.

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People seen here making the 'V' for victory sign during the ceremony.

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General view of the ceremony.

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María Dorila Márquez, a relative of the victims, addresses the audience.

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Two ladies on the verge of crying during the president's speech.

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A children's choir sings during the ceremony.

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Floral arrangements at the monument to the victims, placed by the president of the republic.

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As part of the twentieth anniversary of the signing of peace accords in El Salvador, President Mauricio Funes Cartagena today asked for forgiveness for the Massacre of El Mozote, El Salvador on behalf of the state.
According to the results of the investigation of the truth commission, which was formed with the signing of peace accords in 1992, the massacre was carried out by a battalion of the armed forces of El Salvador in December 1981, in the community of El Mozote and other towns nearby. Deaths are estimated to exceed 900 people, including men, women and children.
The ceremony took place in the community of El Mozote, adjacent to the monument to the victims, which the President placed floral arrangements. Many people attended the event.
The president promised the villagers from their government to make arrangements to carry out remedial actions to the families of the victims and announced the launch of new social programs for residents, including more health benefits.