New safety rules for Chilean miners

SANTIAGO, Chile, Oct. 26 (UPI) -- Chile's president says he'll propose strengthening the country's labor safety regulations as a result of the accident that trapped 33 miners for 69 days.

President Sabastian Pinera made the promise when he welcomed the 33 miners to the presidential palace as part of a whirlwind rescue celebration in Santiago, The New York Times reported Tuesday.

The miners were greeted by cheering crowds Monday nearly two weeks after their rescue.

After meeting privately with the president, the miners participated in a ceremony with about 500 guests that included church, military and political leaders.

Enormous photos of their rescue adorned the patio of the presidential palace, the Times said.

Pinera's announcement that he intended to strengthen the country's labor safety regulations drew a response from one of the miners.

"The time has come for everyone to start fighting for all workers to be treated with dignity," said miner Mario Sepulveda.