[Marxism] Argentina's Kirchner to military: "I am not afraid of you"

["Walter Lippmann" <walterlx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

(Another strong indication of changing times in Latin America.
Clearly, this indicates that you don't need a weather forecaster 
to know which way the wind blows. A remarkable development. Only
El Salvador and Colombia seem to be out of step with the general
leftward trend. Even in Colombia, something positive can be drawn
from the fact that the left is now the main opposition in parlia-
ment in that country. Uncertainty remains in the elections about
to take place in Mexico and in Peru, but the broad trend is clear.)
=================================================================

GRANMA INTERNATIONAL
Havana. June 1, 2006

http://www.granma.cu/ingles/2006/junio/juev1/24argentina.html

Kirchner gives tough speech to military "As president, I am not
afraid; I am not afraid of you"

Taken from: APM / REBELION

THE Argentine president repudiated military sectors that continue to
vindicate procedures of the last dictatorship, telling them he was
"not afraid," and calling on the Army to remain "at a definitive
remove from state terrorism."

President Néstor Kirchner gave a tough speech repudiating a military
march held last week in tribute to so-called victims of subversion
and which resulted in sanctions for six officers.

"Events have occurred that do not help to build the prestige (of the
Army)," Kirchner stated, in obvious reference to the tribute to
victims of subversion.

He followed that by being more explicit. "I am referring to the
participation of members of these forces in a public act during which
not only were journalists attacked, but conduct, actions and words
occurred that I would not be hesitant to qualify as bordering on
supporting the crime of vindicating state terrorism, which is what
took place on May 24 in Plaza San Martín," he affirmed.

After this harsh warning, he reiterated the subordination of the
Armed Forces to civilian authorities, stating: "the inclusion, equity
and equality that Argentina needs requires Armed Forces committed to
the foundations of the nation and subordinated to the popular power."

In concluding his remarks, the president made another tough
statement.

Raising his voice and directly addressing officers who were watching
from the field, he said, "I want to make it clear that as president,
I am not afraid; I am not afraid of you."

The last remarks of his speech, which lasted less than 15 minutes,
were addressed to the soldiers. "We want the army of San Martín,
Belgrano and Mosconi and not that of those who murdered their own
brothers and sisters, such as Videla, Galtieri, Bignone and Viola,"
the leaders of the last military dictatorship, which marked its 30th
anniversary just over two months ago.

Once again reiterating his government?s policy on human rights,
Kirchner added, "I am here to demand a national Army that is
committed to the country and at a definitive remove from state
terrorism."

After the speech, the president left the El Palomar Military School
without participating in the traditional parade planned to celebrate
the Army?s anniversary, which was held immediately afterward.

Kirchner used the occasion to announce changes in the country?s
national defense system.

"We are preparing to begin a process of comprehensive review,
restructuring and modernization of the national defense system. We
must advance in a sustained manner in a process that will enable us
to readjust and establish new foundations on which we may order the
defense system and the Armed Forces themselves," he said.

He was thus explicit, although without providing further details,
about restructuring the country?s defense system over the coming
months, which implies less power for the top brass of the country?s
three military forces.

Expected reforms include the transfer of functions such as decisions
on promotions; authorization of training exercises; and purchases of
materials by the commanders of the three branches under the Joint
Chiefs of Staff.

Kirchner affirmed that the process of "restructuring" would allow
civilian authorities "to effectively implement defense policy
leadership."

Before the tough speech by Kirchner, who is also Commander-in-chief
of the Army, General Roberto Bendini appeared to refer to the same
episode, although not as directly. "I am not going to tolerate acts
or actions that affect the discipline or unity of the institution,"
he said vehemently.

In this context, he maintained that the values of "liberty,
subordination and discipline" are "the backbone of the institution,"
and that members of the Armed Forces are "obliged morally and by
regulation to comply." He then issued a strict warning: "Whoever is
not disposed to carrying out these precepts should leave the
(military?s) ranks."


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