ABSTRACT
Rigoberta Menchu’s dilemma was the peace process she was supposed to represent. Her Nobel prize told the government and army that their international reputation hinged on opening political space for a democratic opposition. Rigoberta’s most serious test was the peace process itself. Formal negotiations between the government and the guerrillas had finally started in April 1991. In Nebaj, for the next town fiesta, the schoolteachers organized a march of history in which their pupils appeared as ancient Mayas, Spanish conquistadors, and so forth. The rebellion followed a history of government abuses with which Rigoberta was familiar owing to her friendship with the bishop who had long denounced them, Samuel Ruiz. Instead of joining the chorus of condemnation, Rigoberta decided to refrain from comment until the Mexican government issued a report. Like many political figures who must steer between telling the truth and telling lies, Rigoberta has long been chary of interviewers with tough questions.
