Chiapas, Mexico
Threat of attack by U.S.-backed military
By
Teresa Gutierrez
In recent weeks, the Mexican government has sent an alarming
assemblage of military personnel to the Chiapas region in
southern Mexico. The military maneuver could well be an attempt
by the Mexican government to launch a final assault against the
EZLN--the Zapatista National Liberation Army, which has
liberated vast amounts of territory in Chiapas.
In its first action, the EZLN carried out a tremendous
rebellion on Jan. 1, 1994. Since then, despite ongoing
repression and an overwhelming U.S-backed military presence,
the EZLN has been able to hold on to territory.
But according to a communication from 13 organizations in
Chiapas, the Mexican army has sent 10,000 soldiers into new
camps in the Lacondon Jungle since Aug. 14. The army has
penetrated areas, the groups say, not entered by federal troops
before.
The road to La Realidad, a Zapatista community, is totally
blocked by the Mexican army. Approximately 30 communities in
the area are in a virtual state of siege.
Arrest warrants have been issued and human-rights activists
are being held. Some have reportedly "disappeared."
Groups in solidarity with the EZLN and the Mexican people
call on the progressive movement to immediately protest the
increased militarization against the Zapatistas and the
Indigenous people of Mexico.
In New York on Aug. 27, AZUL--Awakened Zapatistas United in
Struggle, a Mexican solidarity organization--held an emergency
demonstration in front of the Mexican Consulate.
Protesters on the spirited picket line chanted militant
slogans in solidarity with the EZLN. One popular chant was,
"Ramona, aguanta, el pueblo se levanta (Ramona, hold on, the
people will rise)." Ramona is one of the leading commanders of
the EZLN.
Organizers of the rally, as well as many other groups around
the country, vow to increase their work in defense of the EZLN
and against the U.S.-backed militarization of Chiapas.
For more information about upcoming activities in New York
City, readers can call AZUL at (212) 737-4267 or the
International Action Center at (212) 633-6646.
This article is copyright under a Creative Commons License.
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