DATE=1/12/98
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-225157
TITLE=MEXICO/MASSACRE (L-ONLY)
BYLINE=FRANC CONTRERAS
DATELINE=MEXICO CITY
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: FEDERAL INVESTIGATORS IN MEXICO HAVE THEIR FIRST
CONFESSION THAT APPEARS TO LINK LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS IN THE
SOUTHERN STATE OF CHIAPAS WITH THE DECEMBER MASSACRE OF 45
INDIANS. THE CONFESSION CAME FROM A POLICE OFFICIAL -- AS WE
HEAR FROM FRANC CONTRERAS IN MEXICO CITY.
TEXT: POLICE COMMANDER FELIPE VASQUEZ HAS TOLD MEXICO'S ATTORNEY
GENERAL HE WAS FOLLOWING ORDERS FROM SUPERIORS WHEN HE BEGAN
STOCKPILING FIREARMS WHICH MAY HAVE ENDED UP IN THE HANDS OF
GUNMEN WHO CARRIED OUT THE MASSACRE. THE CONFESSION, ANNOUNCED
MONDAY BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE, IS THE FIRST REAL LINK
INVESTIGATORS HAVE THAT APPEARS TO TIE STATE AUTHORITIES TO THE
DECEMBER 22ND MURDERS. MOST OF THE VICTIMS WERE WOMEN AND
CHILDREN.
MR. VASQUEZ SAYS HE ORDERED HIS OFFICERS TO USE POLICE TRUCKS AND
CONFISCATE WEAPONS FROM THE VILLAGES AROUND ACTEAL WHERE THE
MASSACRE OCCURRED. THE POLICE OFFICIAL ALLEGEDLY TOLD HIS MEN
TO ONLY ALLOW MEMBERS OF MEXICO'S RULING PARTY TO KEEP THEIR
WEAPONS, AND NO ONE ELSE.
MR. VASQUEZ IS CHARGED WITH FIREARMS TRAFFICKING, ALLOWING PEOPLE
TO CARRY ILLEGAL WEAPONS AND ABUSE OF AUTHORITY. 46 OTHER
SUSPECTS ARE IN A CHIAPAS JAIL -- AWAITING CHARGES. DAYS BEFORE
THE ATTACK CHURCH LEADERS AND POLITICIANS FROM THE LEFT-LEANING
PARTY OF DEMOCRATIC REVOLUTION SAY THEY TRIED TO WARN OFFICIALS
THE MASSACRE WAS COMING. BUT NO ONE RESPONDED TO THEIR CALLS.
THE GOVERNOR OF CHIAPAS AND MEXICO'S INTERIOR MINISTER HAVE
ALREADY RESIGNED IN CONNECTION WITH THE ACTEAL MASSACRE.
VILLAGERS SAY IT WAS CONDUCTED BY PARAMILITARY FORCES LOYAL TO
THE RULING PARTY. A LEADING MEXICAN NEWS MAGAZINE, PROCESO,
REPORTS THAT THE MEXICAN MILITARY HAD PLANS TO TRAIN PARAMILITARY
SQUADS IN CHIAPAS. THE ARMY DENIES THOSE ALLEGATIONS. (SIGNED)
NEB/FC/WFR
12-Jan-98 5:33 PM EST (2233 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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