Chichen Itza, Yucatan — The federal government of Mexico is preparing to file criminal charges after failed talks. On Friday, negotiations with workers to reopen the Chichen Itza archaeological site failed for a second time in one week.
Friday was the the second round of talks that resulted in a failed agreement between the government and workers. Disgruntled artisans who sell to tourists and Chichen Itza tour guides were unable to come to an agreement resulting in the continued closure of the site.
The site was closed on the night of May 18 after artisans, merchants and tour guides were unable to reach an agreement with state and federal officials. According to the Indigenous Council of Pisté Yucatán, the INAH (Instituto Nacional de Antropología y Historia) and the state government are keeping the site closed to the public.
Omar Pérez Avilés, the General Secretary General of the Government of Yucatan who led the meeting, stressed that talks will continue to address the concerns which include the non-displacement of artisans from the archaeological site, artisan production incentives and economic support as well as the installation of internet services.
He said the government, through the Patronato Cultura in coordination with the INAH, has maintained talks with the workers since last year.
However, due to the road a closure and the takeover of the Chichen Itza facilities, the federal government is preparing to file criminal complaints against the leaders of the movement.
According to the information, the lawsuits would be for damage to federal property in addition to the release of the ticket booth and free access to the archaeological site, acts that would be considered as patrimonial damage to the nation.
