Chile's new deal with Indians

Chile's president, Ricardo Lagos, has announced a new plan to deal with problems faced by the country's indigenous groups.

At a ceremony attended by indigenous representatives in the capital, Santiago, Mr Lagos announced the creation of a Commission for Historic Truth.

Included in this is a pledge to grant more land to Mapuche indians living in the south of Chile and to give them money to buy seeds.

In reference to the Mapuches' opposition to timber and electric companies operating in the region, which has occasionally erupted into violence, Mr Lagos warned they would have to respect the rule of law.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service