Posted by rdom on January 04, 1998 at 14:43:23:
In Reply to: Mexican Army is Attacking La Realidad posted by rdom on January 03, 1998 at 17:57:07:
URGENT
3 January
4:35 p.m.
Companeras and companeros from Mexico and around the world:
A few minutes ago, we confirmed the most recent news with respect to
the situation in Chiapas and, disgracefully, it is bad news:
The federal army has occupied the town of La Realidad, in Chiapas, by
way of an operation supported by airplanes and helicopters. At this
time, we do not have any more information regarding the current
situation there.
The other news is that 40 indigenous companeros who were carrying
humanitarian aid from Oventic to Polho were detained by a priista
paramilitary group, who have said they will keep the companeros as
hostages until those detained for participation in the Acteal massacre
are released.
These events appear as the first measures adopted by the government
since the changes in the presidential cabinet, of which the most
important is the change in Government Secretary (Interior Minister),
following the resignation of Emilio Chuayfett and his replacement by
Francisco Labastida Ochoa. The first declarations of Labastida Ochoa
about Chiapas were that the solution would be found by concluding the
accords and disarming all groups; however, it seems that the order
chosen by the government is the contrary.
Companeros:
The urgency of the tasks of solidarity now cannot be overemphasized.
We must stop the war!! Punishment to those responsible for the
massacre of Acteal! Immediate compliance with the Accords of San
Andres Sacamch'en de los Pobres! Demilitarization of the indigenous
communities! Disarmament and dismantling of all the paramilitary
groups!
We will keep you informed.
Javier Elorriaga
For the Provisional International Commission of the FZLN