Sacramento, CA. USA
12/25/97
To express our outrage, sadness, and to re-dedicate ourselves to the
premise that without justice in Chiapas, in the indigenous communities of
southern Mexico, the fight against the undemocratic tendencies and the
pro-NAFTA policies in Mexico -- the struggle for genuine democracy will
not be complete. We see that many realize that the paramilitaries are
supported by the ruling party and that the PRI is the United States' main
protoganist to extend NAFTA policies in Mexico and the rest of the
hemisphere. Yet, why are U.S. Congressmembers allowing the military
buildup with generous amounts of armaments from U.S. military factories?
These and many other questions, testimony, and prayers were expressed at
two events held in Sacramento on Christmas eve, December 24. At 11:30
am, a news conference was held in front of the Mexican Consulate in
downtown Sacramento. The Spanish language TV station Ch 19 KCSO, the
Sacramento Bee, Ch. 13 TV, Ch. 10 TV, and Ch. 31 TV arrived and
interviewed and filmed. They interviewed the Consul, Mr. Gisault, and he
said that an investigation is being conducted. Community and labor
representatives gave him messages to wire to his Mexican superiors.
Around 50 persons participated in the demonstration from 12 noon until
1pm. A candlelight vigil was agreed to be held that evening in the same
place at 6 pm. Around 25 supporters left their homes in the busy
Christmas eve and placed candles forming a cross in front of the
Consulate that evening. We braved the cold, made even more chilly
because of the cold winds. But we stood in a circle and confirmed that
thousands of others in this country, in Mexico, and throughout the world
are as outraged. We were warmed by that fact. The dozens of families
forever harmed by the brutal and cowardly acts of hired thugs are not
alone.
The TV photographer who arrived was also missing the warmth of his home
and family but his camera caught the moment and the vigil was transmitted
throughout California. Calls from supporters in Bakersfield and Fresno
saw the news coverage of the event and were excited that the protest is
continuing. They will also demonstrate on Friday, 12/26/97 in their
areas. The Sacramento Bee, in its Christmas Day edition featured an AP
story in Section One, and another of our protest in Section B, Metro
News. All TV stations who came to the events covered it at their late
evening shows.
We urge you to join us tonite again, and tomorrow, Friday here in
Sacramento. If you're in another city or state, organize your own
protest, your own YA BASTA demand. Take your kids or young relatives,
because it is they, especially, who need to know that this is a long
struggle. And we cannot, in good conscience, let up!
Alto a la violencia contra nuestros hermanos/as indigena! De-militizar
las Guardia Blancas!
North Americans for Democracy in Mexico
Sacramento, CA
email: pajaro@pacbell.net
Below are telephone, email, and FAX numbers for letters to be sent.
Three Days of Mourning and Outrage
Sacramento and northern California supporters of Mexican democracy,
indigenous rights, and human rights for all will keep the pressure on the
Mexican govt of Ernesto Zedillo: Stop the Bloodshed! Disband the
paramilitary forces of the PRI!
The collective decision of many groups and individuals in this area is to
express solidarity for three days: Christmas eve 12/24, Christmas Day
12/25, and Friday 12/26 in front of the Mexican Consulate Office.
Tonight on Christmas day, join the candlelight vigil to stop the
bloodshed in Chiapas and give your protest for the PRI government's
responsibility in the Acteal massacre of December 22.
Place: Mexican Consulate, 8th & J st., Sacramento
Tonite, 12/25/97,,,6 pm.
sponsored by human rights, peace, solidarity, and labor groups with
including Zapatista Solidarity Coalition, PeaceAction, Labor Council for
Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) Sacramento, and North Americans for
Democracy in Mexico.
916-446-3021.
On Friday, 12/26, the candlelight vigil starts at 5 pm, at the Consulate
also.
Write a letter or email or FAX President Ernesto Zedillo that you are
outraged at this apparent PRI government attack on unarmed Mexican people
in Chiapas. Inform him that you condemn this inhumane loss of innocent
people. Demand a thorough investigation to bring the guilty to justice.
Also demand that his government:
1. Sit down and negotiate with the Zapatistas. That he sign and
implement the San Andres
Accords of February 1996 that assure the rights of indigenous people.
2. Disarm the death squads "guardias blancas"in Chiapas and throughout
the southern Mexican states and not allow local PRI bosses to displace
farmworkers from land needed for subsistence and life.
3. That Mexico assure before the world community that human rights for
its citizens will not be compromised for the benefit of the wealthy or
foreign corporation profits.
A letter, FAX, or telephone call to your congress person is also helpful.
Tell them you demand an investigation to see if U.S. arms or if U.S.
trained Mexican Army troops were involved in the massacre.
U.S. House/Senate Telephone switchboard (202)225-3121
Dr. Ernesto Zedillo Ponce de León
Presidente de la República
Fax: 011-52-5-515-1794,
Pres. Zedillo's email: webadmon@op.presidencia.gob.mx
La jornada (top Mexican independent newspaper daily)
email: jornada@condor.dgsca.unam.mx
Fax:011-52-5-521-2763
Lic. Emilio Chauyfett Chemor
Secretario de Gobernación
Department of Justice (federal)
Fax: 011-52-5 546-5350
Lic. Jorge Madrazo Cuellar
Procurador General de la República
Attorney General of Mexico (federal)
Fax: 011-52-5 626-4419
Lic. Julio César Ruiz Ferro
Gobernador del Estado de Chiapas
Governor of Chiapas (PRI)
Fax: 011-52-961 2-0917
Diputado Juan Guerra
Comisión Concordia y Pacificación (COCOPA)
Mexican Congressional Commission for Peace/Negotiation in Chiapas
Fax: 011-52-967 80252
President Bill Clinton
email: president@whitehouse.gov
Fax: 202-456-2461
US Secretary of State Madeline Albright
Tel: 202-647-6575
Fax: 202-647-7120
To obtain a full list of all U.S. Congressional members' e-mail
addresses,
send an email to:
Send an email to CONGRESS@HR.HOUSE.GOV