National Commission for Democracy in Mexico
601 N. Cotton Street, #A103
El Paso, Texas 79902
phone/fax: 915-532-8382
email: moonlight@igc.apc.org
ACTION ALERT
November 15, 1996
The National Commission for Democracy in Mexico is calling on all people
of conscience to join us in demanding that United States officials be
accountable for their support for the low-intensity war in Mexico.
Conditions in Chiapas continue to worsen. Political violence against the
indigenous communities and NGOs assisting with the peace process continues
to escalate.
In the past week three campesinos in Chiapas were killed during an attack
by state and federal police as well as the Mexican military as a response
to the campesinos' non-violent protest for higher corn prices. The
campesinos were surrounded by the armed forces, which were supported by
two helicopters, and which used heavy artillery weapons and tear gas
grenades against the protesters.
At the same time CONPAZ, a leading NGO in the efforts to achieve a
peaceful resolution to the conflict in Chiapas, has been terrorized. The
office was ransacked and burned; their administrator, his wife and two
children were kidnapped and terrorized; and other staff received more than
20 death threats.
This violence has brought the peace process to a stand still, and
threatens to provoke widespread armed engagement. In a recent interview
Subcomandante Marcos warned that the coming month would be very telling
with regard to the future of the peace process in Mexico as the government
must soon decide whether it was opting for the path of war or peace with
dignity. He further explained that the EZLN was prepared to respond in
either case.
We, the United States public, have an obligation to demand that our
authorities answer to the bloodshed and violence being promoted in
Chiapas. The helicopters and weaponry used against the campesinos was
provided by the United States government. Another 23 helicopters are
scheduled for delivery to Mexico this month.
For this reason, accompanying this action alert is a sample letter
directed at Secretary of State Warren Christopher and Congressman Tom
Lantos, head of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus. We ask that you
join us in sending personal letters to these two officials, and that you
also encourage representatives of other local, state and national
organizations to express their outrage and concern.
As recent events demonstrate, the equipment being provided under the guise
of fighting drug trafficking is being used against the people of Mexico in
violation of their basic human rights. The United States government and
people can not continue to be accessories to murder, torture, rape and
other political violence.
The Honorable Warren Christopher
Secretary of State
Us Department of State
Washington, DC 20520
Dear Mr. Secretary:
We are gravely concerned about United States continued military support to
the Mexican government.
The peace process in Southern Mexico is in jeopardy due to the continued
violence that has been waged against the indigenous communities and NGOs
involved in the search for a peaceful solution to the region's conflicts.
During the past week three campesinos in Chiapas were killed during an
attack by state and federal police as well as the Mexican military as a
response to the campesinos' non-violent protest for higher corn prices.
The campesinos were surrounded by the armed forces, which were supported
by two helicopters, and which used heavy artillery weapons and tear gas
grenades against the protesters. It is our understanding that these
helicopters and weaponry have been part of the equipment provided by the
United States to the Mexican government.
At the same time CONPAZ, a leading NGO in the efforts to achieve a
peaceful resolution to the conflict in Chiapas, has been terrorized. The
office was ransacked and burned; their administrator, his wife and two
children were kidnapped and terrorized; and other staff received more than
20 death threats.
This violence has brought the peace process to a stand still, and
threatens to provoke widespread violence and economic turmoil.
Given these conditions, it is imperative that the United States suspend
its military support to Mexico, especially the scheduled delivery of 20
Huey helicopters. As recent events demonstrate, it is highly probable
that the equipment being provided under the guise of fighting drug
trafficking is being used against the people of Mexico in violation of
their basic human rights. Yet the great majority of the American people
are not aware of the conditions in Mexico nor how this aid is being used.
It is the responsibility of the White House to make a full disclosure of
United States involvement.
Specifically we ask that you conduct a thorough investigation and full
disclosure of the whereabouts and use of all military equipment, weapons,
and funds provided by the United States to any entity within the Mexican
government during the past three years. In addition we ask that you
provide this information to human rights groups in the United States.
We look forward to your quick response and action to these grave issues.
Sincerely,
cc: Congressman Tom Lantos
California, 12th District
Human Rights Caucus Co-Chair
U.S. House of Representatives
2217 Rayburn Building
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-3531
talk2tom@hr.house.gov