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@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: chiapas-eng@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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:

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	PRODH: Centro de Derechos Humanos, Miguel Agustin Pro;
	CEE: Centro de Estudios Ecume'nicos;
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