Date: Thu, 19 Feb 1998 10:03:55 -0600 (CST)
From: Chiapas 95 Moderators <chiapas-AT-eco.utexas.edu>
Subject: AUT: E;MEXPAZ, Chiapas #161, Feb 18


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Date: Wed, 18 Feb 1998 11:45:58 -0600 (CST)
From: MEXPAZ_chiapas-eng <chiapas-eng-AT-mixcoac.uia.mx>
To: chiapas-eng-AT-mixcoac.uia.mx
Subject: Chiapas-eng 161
Resent-Date: Wed, 18 Feb 1998 11:49:57 -0600 (CST)
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MEXPAZ: Bulletin No. 161, Chiapas-eng


FEBRUARY 9:  THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF THE MILITARY 
OFFENSIVE

On February 9, 1995, the Mexican government launched an
offensive against the EZLN, ordering the caputre of its 
members and Mexican Army into Zapatista zones.  Three years 
later, interim governor Roberto Albores Guille'n has asserted 
that things are worse than in 1994, while questions  are being 
raised as to how effective the 55 billion pesos assigned to
Chiapas over the past four years have been.

CONDITIONS FOR DIALOGUE

Faced with national and international pressure, the 
government has opted to bolster the image of the National 
Human Rights Commission (CNDH, in  Spanish) as its 
conduit for "recommendations" on the steps to be followed. 
Nevertheless, these steps have been followed only 
half-heartedly, which confirms the image of little 
governmental willingness to advance on dialogue.  

1.  Liberation of Zapatista Prisoners:  On recommendation 
of the CNDH, 300 prisoners were granted liberty throughout 
the state.  However, the prisoners' organization "Voice of 
Cerro Hueco" has confirmed that none of 300 was a Zapatista 
sympathizer, while the EZLN confirmed that among  those freed, 
there were some members of paramilitary groups.  It should be 
pointed out that the Cerro Hueco penitentiary is overcrowded.  
Prison  capacity is 350, but the jail currently houses 889 
inmates.  After releasing the  300 non-Zapatistas, six EZLN 
supporters were subsequently released.   

2.  Demilitarization:  As recommended by the CNDH, talks 
are currently taking place on "repositioning" the Army, a 
measure that hasn't been used up till now.  Nevertheless, it 
will be difficult for the Army to return to its pre-Acteal 
massacre positions, let alone those held prior to February, 1995. 
About 5,000 additional troops arrived to the state after Acteal, 
of which 2,000 are in the municipality of Chenalho'.  Thus, a 
"withdrawal" of the Army couldn't be truly significant, but would 
at least suffice to argue that the government has taking some 
steps toward military detente.  

3.  Humanitarian Aid:  Again following a CNDH recommendation, the 
government has argued that it is channeling support through this 
organization,  but the displaced have refused to receive any aid 
until the Acteal investigation  is finished and those responsible 
punished.  

4.  Impeachment of Officials:  On recommendation of the 
CNDH, many functionaries have already been removed from office.  
None, however, has been remanded to authorities for trial.  

5.  Reparations:  On recommendation of the CNDH, the government 
has  already granted the first 24 reparations to 14 families 
affected by the Acteal massacre.  For each death, the government 
paid 35,000 pesos (about four thousand dollars) to survivors and 
between 10,000 and 25,000 for injuries, according to the gravity 
of the case.   

6.  Electricity:  On recommendation of the CNDH, the Federal 
Electricity Commission is studying the possibility of special 
treatment and service for affected communities.  

7.  Fulfillment of San Andre's Accords:  The federal government 
insists upon its four objections to the 20-page bill proposed by 
the COCOPA.  There is heavy pressure on the COCOPA to reject 
the government's proposal and  ratify the original initiative.  For 
its part the CONAI couldn't deliver said document to the EZLN in 
La Realidad, since it was impossible to contact the Zapatista 
command due to flyovers and intimidation by the Mexican Army.  

The Zedillo administration has pushed the version that the 
Acteal massacre was caused by revenge, inter-community conflict, 
etc.  Now, it is marshalling the argument that the violence in 
Chiapas is between the EZLN and other groups.  Up till now, the 
government has remained steadfast in its strategy of "administering" 
the conflict and shown few true signs of seeking dialogue.  

CHENALHO:  Further displacement took place in Chenalho over 
the last fewb days.  More than 150 people were forced to leave 
the community of Canolal because of threats that the local 
paramilitary group and community PRI members had made.  The 
displaced took shelter in San Cristo'bal de las Casas.  Nevertheless, 
the more than 2,000 soldiers stationed in the municipality and another 
close to Acteal didn't suffice to guaranty safety for the 
indigenous population.  Instead of disarming paramilitary groups,
the Army continues to support the exit of the displaced 
population.  Who wins when the number of displaced increases?

As of several days ago, the Attorney General of the Republic 
(PGR) reported that 56 suspects are being held in the Cerro Hueco 
prison, with more than 50 arrest warrants outstanding and 30 on 
the lam.  Nevertheless, the indigenous population continues to pay a 
high price.  Up till now, the masterminds of the Acteal massacre 
-which may be very highly placed within the government-have not 
been detained.  

Among the "progress" reported in the Acteal investigation, 
the PGR has confirmed that authorities protected and abetted the 
armed groups responsible for the massacre, and have therefore 
detained several members of local police corps.  However, three 
ex-soldiers presumably involved in the massacre have been released.  

For its part, the civil organization named "The Bees" issued 
a 20-day ultimatum (which expires on February 24) for authorities 
to take the investigation and charges to their ultimate consequences.  
The group has also denounced that it is the target of harassment 
and threats.  The displaced announced the creation of an autonomous 
food supply commission  to receive humanitarian assistance, still 
rejecting any aid from the government given through the National 
Human Rights Commission (CNDH).

Several sources have stated that there are more than 3,000 
children in Chenalho' that are unable to attend classes because of 
the conflict and, in some cases, because Mexican Army detachments 
have occupied schools.  

The Red Cross informed that a new shipment of 75 tons of 
humanitarian aid was delivered to Chenalho', which brings the 
total up to 400 tons received since last December 20.  

PAN and PRD legislative delegations have visited Chiapas, 
especially Chenalho', to ascertain living conditions in the state.  
The October 4 electoral struggle is already at hand, and the 
parties need to assure adequate conditions for polling.  Both 
parties have shown concern over the militarization of Chiapas and 
the Acteal massacre investigation.  

In addition, the presence of solidarity groups and caravans 
in support of the displaced has been steadfast.  The Zapatista 
Front for National Liberation (FZLN) arrived again to Polho', seat 
of the insurgent municipality of Chenalho', with more than 30 
tons of humanitarian aid. Nevertheless, the deaths have not 
ceased.  A one-and-a-half year old child died recently in this 
community.  Also, about 150 people from diverse European countries 
and social sectors are expected to arrive around February
15 to meet with various organizations and governmental agencies, 
as well as tour different parts of Chiapas.  

The situation is worsening in many municipalities:

OXCHUC:  In this municipality, surrounded by Ocosingo, Tenejapa, 
Sabanilla and others, the town hall is still occupied by peasant 
groups that  demand the impeachment of the mayor due to presumed 
irregularities.  The authorities are threatening violent evictions 
in a territory thought to be the cradle of the paramilitary group 
MIRA (Revolutionary Anti-Zapatista Insurgent Movement).

CHENALHO:  After the resignation of six official party members, 
the PRI -with support from the state congress-imposed a new town 
council, again constituted exclusively by PRI members.  The PAN 
and PRD have protested against the illegality of this maneuver.  

PANTELHO:  In this municipality, which borders on Chenalho' and 
Cncuc,  PRI militants murdered two PRD sympathizers.  It is thought 
that armed and paramilitary groups operate in this municipality, in 
which there is also a Zapatista presence.  

CHILO'N:  The paramilitary group known as "Los Chinchulines" 
denied that they are, in fact, a paramilitary group and accused 
the groups "Los Aguilar" and "Los Tzintzines" of possessing arms.  

LA GRANDEZA:  Located in the Mountain Zone, on the Guatemalan 
border, townspeople are demanding that the municipal president 
(mayor) be audited  todetect diversion of funds.  

CHANAL:  In this township located in Los Altos and close to the
municipalities ofA Altamirano and San Cristo'bal de las Casas, 
among others, more than 500 military incursions have been 
registered in the zone.  The communities are calling for an 
Army withdrawal.  

TENEJAPA:  Located in the highlands on the outskirts of San 
Cristo'bal de las Casas, more than 30 communities in this 
municipality have denounced the entry of some 20-plus Mexican Army 
vehicles over a period of several days. The vehicles' ingress
was under pretense of searching for a locale in which 
the Army could set up camp.  Also, peasant organizations seized 
the town hall for several days to accuse the municipality, controlled 
by two PRI committees, of various administrative irregularities.

HUITIUPA'N:  This municipality, on the border with the state of 
Tabasco and located in the northern zone of Chiapas next to the 
municipalities of Sabanilla, Simojovel and Amata'n, has witnessed 
the appearance of groups affiliated with the PT (Labor Party) and 
supplied with high-caliber arms and bullet proof vests.  

VENUSTIANO CARRANZA:  Located in the central zone; members of 
the  Popular Peasant Committee reported aggression and an ambush 
carried out by an  armed group; three were injured.  

LAS MARGARITAS:  Located in the zone of conflict; a PRI group has 
threatened to purchase arms to defend itself against the Zapatistas.  

JALTENANGO:  Situated in the central valley; members of the 
"Francisco Villa" Popular Peasant Union have complained of harassment 
and threats made against its members.

SILTEPEC:  Peasant groups assaulted the town hall in this 
municipality, located in the Mountain zone on the border with 
Guatemala, due to discontent with the PRI mayor.

VILLA FLORES:  Similar actions have occurred against the PRI 
municipal president in this township.  

COAST:  Authorities have stepped up investigations into 28 
gangland-style murders in the region, displaying shows of force 
to find connections with drug traffickers in the zone.  

TILA, SABANILLA, TUMBALA' AND SALTO DE AGUA:  
Representatives of the 110 northern zone delegates and Zapatista 
support bases accused the paramilitary group "Peace and Justice" 
of continued threats to install checkpoints and abridging the right 
to free transit in the zone.  Also, there have been two additional 
injuries.  The representatives further aver that "Peace and
Justice" enjoys the support of the Public Security Police and the 
Mexican Army.  For its part, the paramilitary group held a press 
conference to distance itself from PRI deputy Samuel Sa'nchez 
Sa'nchez's recent statements to the effect that the organization is, 
in fact, armed.  

OCOSINGO:  The communities and the EZLN itself have denounced 
harassment and additional checkpoints, patrols and low flyovers 
in various spots throughout the municipality, including La Realidad.  
The CONAI was unable deliver the governmental proposal that contains 
its observations on the legislative bill proposed by the COCOPA, 
which in turn reflects the San Andre's Accords on Table 1 (Indigenous 
Culture and Rights).  

This year, for the first time, 100% of monies assigned to 
municipal presidents through the Municipal Social Structure Fund 
will actually be forked over.  At present, the first 57,860,648 pesos 
have been delivered to the mayors of the state's 111 municipalities, 
and the interim governor has asked that municipal presidents pay 
off their public debt.  The funds are being doled out in the 
context of:  upcoming elections for the Chiapas state congress 
and municipalities in the state, to be held on October 4; the
interim governor's imminent announcement of a peace plan for Chiapas, 
which will ask for support and "consensus" from the mayors, the 
majority of which are PRI members; multiple accusations of having 
diverted funds levelled against PRI city administrations; and charges 
that some municipalities are using funds to support paramilitary 
groups. 

PRIVATE INVESTMENT

In response to the Chiapas government's campaign to attract 
investors to the state, the Swiss company Nestle announced heavy 
capital outlays in Chiapas. Another company from the same country, 
"Barry Callebaut AG", notified that it would invest in industrialized 
chocolate products.  Also, the firm HERDEZ, which bought the Chiapas 
Fisheries Plant in Puerto Madero, will  soon open for business.  

The PULSAR industrial group, based in Nuevo Leo'n, in the north of 
the country, has gone public with its decision to intensify 
investment in Chiapas.  However, the interim governor declared 
that national banks have frozen financing for Chiapas, given the 
instability and poor prospects for investment in the state.  

ZAPATISTA, AUTONOMOUS AND PLURI-ETHNIC MUNICIPALITIES 
AND TERRITORIES IN REBELLION

1.  "Libertad de los Pueblos Mayas"; seat:  Santa Rosa el Copa'n, 
in Ocosingo 
2.  "San Pedro Michoaca'n"; seat:  La Realidad, in Las Margaritas.
3.  "Tierra y Libertad"; seat:  Ejido Ampara Agua Tinta, in 
Las Margaritas, Independencia and Trinitaria.
4.  "17 de Noviembre"; seat:  Ejido Morelia, in Altamirano and 
Chanal. 
5.  "Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla"; seat:  Ejido Justo Sierra, in Las
Margaritas and Comita'n.
6.  "Ernesto Che Guevara"; seat:  Moise's Gandhi, in Ocosingo.
7.  "1o.  de Enero"; seat:  Sibajca, in Ocosingo.
8.  "Cabanhas"; Tushakilja', in Oxchuc and Huixta'n.
9.  "Maya"; seat:  Ejido Amador Herna'ndez, in Ocosingo.
10.  "Francisco Go'mez"; seat:  Ejido La Garrucha, in Ocosingo.
11.  "Flores Mago'n"; seat:  Ejido Taniperlas, in Ocosingo.
12.  "San Manuel", seat:  San Antonio Ranch, in Ocosingo.  
13.  "San Salvador"; seat:  Ejido Zapata, in Ocosingo.
14.  "Huitiupa'n", located in the territory of the same name.
15.  "Simojovel", located in the territory of the same name.  
16.  "Sabanilla", located in the territory of the same name.
17.  "Vicente Guerrero", in the territory of Palenque.
18.  "Trabajo", territory of Palenque and Chilo'n.
19.  "Francisco Villa", in the territory of Salto de Agua.
20.  "Independencia", in the territories of Tila and Salto de Agua.
21.  "Benito Juarez", in the territories of Tila, Yajalo'n and Tumbala'.
22.  "La Paz", in the territories of Tumbala' and Chilo'n.
23.  "Jose' Mari'a Morelos y Pavo'n"; seat:  Qutzalco'atl in the territory
of Marque's de Comillas, Ocosingo.  
24.  "San Andre's Sacamche'n de los Pobres"; municipal seat; in the
territory of San Andre's Larra'inzar.
25.  "San Juan de la Libertad"; municipal seat; in the territory of El Bosque.
26.  "San Pedro Chenalho'"; municipal seat in Polho'; in the territorny of
the same name.
27.  "Santa Catarina", in the territories of Pantelho' and Sitala'.
28.  "Bochil"; municipal seat; in the territory of the same name.
29.  "Zinacanta'n"; municipal seat; in the territory of the same name.
30.  "Magdalena de la Paz"; seat:  Magdalena, in the territory of Chenalho'.
31.  "San Juan K'ankujk'"; in the territory of San Juan Cancuc.
32.  Autonomous regions "Tierra y Libertad"; in the territories of 
Las Margaritas, La Trinitaria, Frontera Comalapa, Chicomuselo, 
La Grandeza, El Porvenir, Siltepec, Mazapa de Madero, Bellavista, 
Villa Comaltitla'n, Unio'n Jua'rez, Tapachula, Tuxtla Chico 
and Motozintla.   
33.  "Tzoj Choj" Autonomous Region:  in the territories of Altamirano,
Chanal, Oxchuc, Tenejapa, Cancuc, Huixta'n, San Cristo'bal, 
Amatenango del Valle, Ocosingo, the town of Abasolo and "Ernesto 
Che Guevara".  

AUTONOMOUS PLURI-ETHNIC REGIONS

34.  Autonomous Pluri-Ethnic Regions in the territories of Marque's 
de Comillas (Ocosingo).
35.  Region on the borders of Las Margaritas, Santo Domingo Las Palmas.  
36.  Northern Autonomous Region, comprising Bochil, Ixtapa, Soyalo', El
Bosque, Jitotol, Huitiupa'n and Simojovel.
37.  Soconusco Region:  Huixtla, Tuzanta'n, Tapachula, Cacahoata'n and
Unio'n Jua'rez.
38.  Jungle Region, Las Tazas.
39.  Autonomous Council of Nicola's Ruiz

H.O. Mendoza
February 12, 1998
___________________________


____________________________________________________________________________

                           MEXPAZ

An electronic bulletin collectively produced by:

	CRT: Centro de Reflexio'n Teolo'gica;
	SIPRO: Servicios de informacion procesada, A.C.;
	FC:	Fronteras Comunes;  
	CENCOS: Centro de comunicacion social, A.C.; 
	CONPAZ: Coordinacion de organismos no-gubernamentales por la paz;
	PRODH: Centro de Derechos Humanos, Miguel Agustin Pro;
	CEE: Centro de Estudios Ecume'nicos; 
	CAM: Centro Antonio de Montesinos; 
	CONAI: Comision nacional de intermediacion;
	EP: Equipo Pueblo. 

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MEXPAZ provides the following chapters:

         SPANISH                ENGLISH
______________________________________________
	analisis                analysis 
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	chiapas-esp             chiapas-eng 
	derechos                rights 
	solidaridad             solidarity





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