DATE=9/7/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CHIAPAS PROPOSAL (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-253575
BYLINE=GREG FLAKUS
DATELINE=MEXICO CITY
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Mexican president Ernesto Zedillo has launched
a new effort to end the conflict with guerrillas in
the southern state of Chiapas, which began with an
armed uprising by the Zapatista Army for National
Liberation in January of 1994 and has remained at a
standoff ever since. VOA's Greg Flakus has more on
the story from our Mexico City bureau.
TEXT: In what is seen as a major new effort to end
the Chiapas hostilities, the Zedillo government is
urging the Mexican congress to pass legislation that
would guarantee the rights of indigenous people. This
was a major part of the San Andres agreement reached
with the Zapatistas in 1996 but it was never approved
by the congress. The rebels have turned down past
requests for a renewed negotiations because of the
government's failure to fully implement the San Andres
accords. The Zapatistas have also accused the
government of supporting paramilitary groups who have
attacked and abused indigenous people in the
impoverished state.
In the new call for dialogue, the Zedillo government
is promising to investigate human rights abuses in
Chiapas and to negotiate the further implementation of
the 1996 agreement. There is also an offer of amnesty
for jailed Zapatistas and supporters who are not
charged with violent crimes. The announcement of the
new proposal was read by Mexican Interior Minister
Diodoro Carrasco (Dee oh dohr' oh Kah rahz' koh).
/// Carrasco Act (Spanish) ///
He said the conflict will be resolved through
dialogue, reason and law. The proposal also
emphasizes the government's commitment to a peaceful
approach to the problem of Chiapas.
Under the proposal, the government is also open to
direct talks with the Zapatistas. The initiative
calls for the creation of a new mediation commission
and also invites the Mexican Congress to consult with
the guerrillas.
/// Rest Opt ///
There has been no major fighting in Chiapas since the
first two weeks of January, 1994, when some 140 people
died. But there have been small clashes between
soldiers and rebels as well as violent incidents
involving state authorities and paramilitary groups.
The worst such incident occurred in the village of
Acteal in December of 1997, when paramilitary
attackers killed 45 indigenous peasants.
Two weeks ago, there was a clash between pro-Zapatista
Indians and soldiers over a road being built into the
area where the rebels maintain control. The government
soothed tensions by suspending construction of the
road. On Monday, there was a disturbance in the town
of Palenque, known worldwide for nearby Mayan ruins.
One person died and at least ten were wounded when
police fought with a crowd of indigenous peasants who
were protesting the alleged corruption of the town's
mayor. (Signed).
NEB/GF/TVM/PT
07-Sep-1999 18:14 PM LOC (07-Sep-1999 2214 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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