DATE=6/13/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=MEXICO / CHIAPAS / L-O
NUMBER=2-263414
BYLINE=CINDY LAVANDEROS
DATELINE=MEXICO CITY
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Unidentified gunmen Monday ambushed a police
truck in Mexico's southern state, Chiapas, killing
seven people and injuring two. We have more details
from Cindy Lavanderos in Mexico City.
TEXT: Mexican authorities are investigating an ambush
along a rural highway, about 150 kilometers north of
San Cristobal de las Casas in Chiapas State.
Gunmen riddled a police truck with more than 80
bullets, killing seven people and injuring two others.
// SPANISH ACTUALITY, IN AND UNDER //
State Attorney General Eduardo Montoya Lievano says a
state commander, five state police officers and a
municipal policeman died in the attack. Another police
officer and the son of the town's mayor were injured.
Authorities say the policemen were looking for bandits
who had been assaulting villagers in the past months.
Although residents in the area support the Zapatista
rebels, Mr. Lievano says it does not appear the
Zapatistas were involved in the ambush. Rather, he
suspects the attack was the work of common criminals.
Zapatista rebels rose up in arms in January, 1994,
demanding justice and greater rights for the Indians.
The government backed down on a peace accord it signed
with the rebels in September, 1996.
Since then, human rights organizations have criticized
the growing militancy in the state and the presence of
paramilitary groups who they say are responsible for
the increased violence against the Indians.
Although state authorities say the police raids are
aimed at capturing common criminals, Zapatistas claim
they are part of the government strategy to dismantle
their communities. (signed).
NEB / CL / WD
13-Jun-2000 02:32 AM EDT (13-Jun-2000 0632 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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