50 MILES NORTHWEST OF THE BELIZE WESTERN BORDER LIES EL MIRADOR OF THE MAYAN EMPIRE

50 MILES TO THE NORTHWEST OF BELIZE IN THE MAYAN EMPIRE A NEW CITY IS SLOWLY BEING DUG OUT OF THE JUNGLE. EL MIRADOR.

Guatemala - A new Mayan archaeological discovery of a 2,200 year old carving was found at El Mirador, Guatemala. The archaeological site El Mirador continues to astound the world. A team of archaeologists, mostly Guatemalans, under the coordination of Richard Hansen made the discovery of a carving of the Mayan Pre-Classic Period which dates from 200 BC. This new finding was presented by the Minister of Culture and Sports, Jeronimo Lancerio and businessmen who support the project. Vice- President Rafael Espada and important members of the Guatemalan Press where also present.

"This finding is impressive as finding the Mona Lisa. It is an impressive example of Mayan art", Hansen stated. The carving is in a structures that was used to store water and shows a Mayan mythological passage, where the twin heroes Ixbalanque and Hunacpú leave the underworld carrying the head of their father, Hun Hunapú.

The archaeological site "El Mirador" is being developed to be the crown jewel within the Park "Cuatro Balam". This is a development project which aims to create the largest archaeological park in the world, containing over four thousand Mayan pyramids. The project started under President Berger and is now being continued by President Alvaro Colom and a group of entrepreneurs.

miradorespadaAs a fantastic and very impressive experience described Dr. Rafael Espada his visit to the Mirador, Petén, where he arrived accompanied by a working committee to assess options for protecting the natural and archaeological reserves in the country.

Vice-President Dr. Rafael Espada is the coordinator of the Socio- Environmental cabinet, as such he expressed his support for the project and the need to establish the legal framework to protect El Mirador.
"We have to protect this cultural heritage which preserves important elements of Mayan culture. This jungle which has existed for thousands of years also needs our protection. We need to take the necessary steps to provide legislation for the protection of the area and to respect this sacred land" said the Vice President Espada.

The project will benefit local communities, protect the tropical forests of the Basin "El Mirador", and will generate tourism and development for the department of Petén.