SEPTEMBER 21, 1999
PRESS BULLETIN

EMERGENCY DELEGATION FROM THE UNITED STATES TO CHIAPAS DISCOVERS A STATE OF LOW INTENSITY WAR AND ABUSES ON THE PART OF THE MEXICAN ARMY AND GOVERNMENT.

A delegation of North Americans traveled to various communities in Chiapas and observed evidence that the army and the federal government of Mexico are waging a low intensity war against the indigenous communities of that state. The delegation visited the communities of Amador Hernandez, Morelia and Moises Ghandi.

Some members of the delegation were able to enter the community of Amador Hernandez despite intimidation from the Department of Immigration and other officials of the state and federal police. In Amador Hernandez, the visitors found a community under occupation by a hostile military force. The newly established military camp is surrounded by barbed wire. It is also surrounded by dangerous traps that have been placed in holes around the camp thereby exposing the population to life-threatening danger. The delegation observed that the military responded to the songs and peaceful protests of the people of Amador Hernandez with low-flying helicopters, military equipment and harsh-sounding music.

As North American citizens, the delegation was shocked by the amount of American military equipment being used against the indigenous communities.

In the town of Morelia, the delegation visited another indigenous community that fears both a military invasion and attacks on the part of government supporters. In Moises Ghandi, the visitors observed conditions similar to those witnessed in Amador Hernandez. The Mexican government is proposing the construction of a highway through the town of Moises Ghandi. However, the people of the community do not want the highway because they fear that it will be used as a means of military control.

During their six-day voyage, the members of the delegation were frequently harassed by people representing either the Mexican army or government. For example, the delegates were followed, had their belongings searched, and had their photos taken arbitrarily. These acts on the part of Mexican officials convinced the members of the delegation that the government of Mexico is seeking to intimidate foreign travelers in the region of Chiapas and to hide the reality of the present situation there.

Through their visit, the delegates were inspired by the commitment and bravery of the indigenous communities as they confront the low-intensity war being waged against them.

(translated by Noah Arthur Bardach)