Input: those responsible for the assassination of six members of his order, including ignacio ellacuria, rector of the central american university (uca), "are the same ones who killed msgr oscar arnulfo romero, archbishop of san salvador."    "i do not want to accuse anyone, but it is obvious where the facts are pointing," jose maria tojeira (jesuit provincial supervisor) stated at a news conference held this afternoon in the uca chapel, only a few meters from where the jesuit priests and two domestics were killed this morning.    the bodies of ellacuria and his jesuit companions ignacio martin baro, segundo montes, juan ramon moreno, armando lopez, and joaquin lopez, as well as domestic elba ramos and her 15-year-old daughter, were riddled with bullets, while some also had their skills crushed.    the death of the priests, five of them spaniards, who were always in favor of a negotiated solution to the crisis, has increased the fear and desperation felt by the salvadorans since the past weekend, when violent fighting broke out between the guerrillas and soldiers in the northern part of san salvador.    the priests were killed by some 30 men wearing olive drab uniforms who broke into the place, according to witnesses who were there, tojeira explained.    the priest recalled that over the weekend the government radio network "launched fierce attacks against the (word indistinct), saying that a few priests had to be killed in this country or that they had to be placed in front of the cathedral so that the people could kill them by spitting at them," tojera noted.    also, he added that on monday armed forces members raided the homes of ellacuria and companions.  "on that occasion they were quite correct, according to what father ellacuria told me," added tojeira, who was quite upset during the news conference.    "apparently the men said they had reports that there were weapons in the residences.  of course they found nothing, and father ellacuria invited them to return on tuesday and go through the uca campus, but they did not do so."    also, tojeira confirmed that on wednesday afternoon and evening there was tight security in the vicinity of the uca in the southern part of the capital.    "i do not know if the soldiers left the place later, but up until 2200 on wednesday, hours before the horrible massacre, the soldiers were there," tojeira added.    "these are the facts.  therefore, we share the opinion of archbishop arturo rivera -- that the ones responsible are the same ones who assassinated msgr romero," he added.

men wearing olive drab uniforms

ignacio ellacuria

msgr oscar arnulfo romero

ignacio martin baro

segundo montes

juan ramon moreno

armando lopez

joaquin lopez

elba ramos


Input: in an analysis of the violence during the month of september, the information office of the business sector (ofisem) points out that the government has not been able to provide an atmosphere of security for the people so that the economy can move in a manner favorable for the development of the country.    the statistics on the september violence -- taken from the media -- show there is a slight improvement in some aspects, but the prevailing situation is of great concern, the businessmen add.    in a comparison of the statistics for august and september, it is noted that 142 murders were reported in september while 126 were reported in august.  ofisem also reports that 17 kidnap cases were reported in september, against 19 cases in august.  as for missing persons, there were 12 reported in september and 19 in august.    the report adds there were 26 cases of assault in september, against 71 cases in august, while there were 41 criminal attacks in september and 57 in august.  concerning actions by subversive groups, ofisem adds one such action was reported in september, and 12 in august.  five cases of narcotics trafficking were reported in august, and only one in september.    oficem once again urges the authorities to increase their activities to protect the security of the guatemalans, who deserve to live in peace in an atmosphere that is conducive for the progress of guatemala.


Input: salvadoran people: after 5 days of combat, confronting this armed aggression by the fmln (farabundo marti national liberation front) terrorists, (words indistinct) i want to inform you of the situation throughout the nation:    in the western area, there are no problems.  in the eastern area, there are still problems.  in san miguel city, the 3d infantry brigade command has been operating in a professional manner, and it has avoided harming the civilian population; therefore, there are terrorists in the (names indistinct) neighborhoods.  also in usulutan last night and early this morning, (words indistinct) but at present only some explosions and some sporadic firing are heard in the vicinity of the city of usulutan.  in zacatecoluca yesterday we managed to control the population completely.  we dislodged the terrorists from the 27 september neighborhood.    we have had serious problems in the capital city.  the fmln has waged its greatest efforts here. they are (word indistinct) terrorists, and they should be considered as such.  in some neighborhoods in the northern area, the (words indistinct) mejicanos, (words indistinct) as of sunday, 12 november. in some (words indistinct) as it was yesterday.  although it is true (words indistinct) of the capital city.  in mejicanos, in the neighborhood, (words indistinct) north of the guadalupe and soyapango neighborhoods, (words indistinct) reparto santa marta, and altos del (word indistinct). in this area, the armed forces have carried out actions to defend the salvadoran people to neutralize this genocide (words indistinct).    on the national level, i would like to announce some partial results. the armed forces have sustained the following: 177 dead and 251 wounded.    among the terrorists there are 655 dead and 491 wounded.  we have captured 92 fmln members, and 6 fmln terrorists have turned themselves in.  as for the civilians, we regret 47 persons have died, and 153 have been wounded.    the armed forces have seized from the fmln terrorists 324 rifles, 75 grenade and rocket launchers, 26 mortars, 8 machineguns, 15 submachineguns, and 40 weapons of other types.  four arsenals have also (words indistinct) in mejicanos, where the terrorists had a considerable quantity of ammunition and explosives.    salvadoran people: you must have confidence in your armed forces and in your government because we are working jointly. our commander in chief is up to date on the situation, and (words indistinct), and we are working together. the armed forces is working in a very professional manner. you must understand that we cannot resolve this situation by endangering the lives of innocent people. that is why it takes longer for the armed forces to do things.    on behalf of the armed forces, we want to thank you, our people, for your support, as you have been providing us with plenty of information, supporting our troops in the various combat areas, and-- most important of all--condemning and rejecting this terrorist attack. that is the (words indistinct) of the fmln.    we are all working, struggling to maintain a democratic system, to maintain freedom (word indistinct), and achieve peace. i also want to inform you that after visiting this afternoon the various areas where we are (word indistinct), the morale of our troops and officers is very high. and there is a reason for this, because they are fighting to defend you.    (word indistinct) the fmln terrorists have a very low morale, (words indistinct) many, because they are now aware of their casualties and (words indistinct).    i want to avail myself of this opportunity and on behalf of the armed forces, to strongly condemn those who this morning massacred six jesuit priests. we regret as well the deaths of other civilians, innocent people who have nothing to do with this conflict. we also regret the deaths among our armed forces.    it is also important to mention that the government, the people, and the armed forces general command are proud of the professional work being done at the various garrisons of our armed forces.    salvadoran people, on behalf of the armed forces, we ask for your support. you must continue going to work and continue working.  in conclusion, i want to thank the people once again for their moral and material support of the government and the armed forces at such a difficult time.


Input: six days after having initiated our offensive in the capital city and the entire country, there has been an overwhelming trend toward the consolidation and broadening of fmln (farabundo marti national liberation front) positions in important cities and towns in the country, which have played leading roles because the people have supported and joined the struggle.    today we completed an arch of freedom in san salvador by extending and connecting several areas under our control, after repelling and swamping the government's special battalions in five counterattacks supported by armored vehicles and aerial bombings.    our fighters displayed singular heroism during the occupation of the cuscatancingo headquarters and the commands in mejicanos and ciudad delgado, where we captured a large arsenal of weapons and ammunition, and during clashes in (name indistinct), soyapango, ciudad merliot, and (name indistinct).    the fmln also has forces along the leading routes to the capital city; these forces harass and hinder army deployments on the pan-american highway, and on the san salvador-santa tecla highway.    we now highlight our forces' feats: companies formed by popular forces have extended their control over new areas and cities in san miguel and usulutan, where weapons have been seized and prisoners of war taken.  we stress our permanent harassment of enemy forces in zacatecoluca, chalatenango, santa ana, apopa, san martin, san marcos, nueva concepcion, santa elena, and other towns.    transportation has been paralyzed since the fmln declared a stoppage, and most of the country is without electricity due to sabotage.  the critical deadline the high command set for itself to recover our positions has passed, and our forces have assaulted headquarters in controlled areas and have requisitioned weapons and ammunition.    hundreds of youths continue to join our army.  without popular support the fmln would not have achieved political-military victories of such dimensions as to take the enemy by surprise and earn the world's admiration.    in the past 2 days the fmln has inflicted dozens of casualties among the army's officers and troops, and it has taken five prisoners of war, among whom are a captain and a lieutenant, whose physical and mental well being has been respected.  the fmln has seized 63 rifles, 4 machineguns, 3 grenade launchers, 5 prc-77 radios, (words indistinct), and thousands of rounds of ammunition from the occupied headquarters and commands.    we call on all the people to join the uprising (word indistinct) against the fascist genocide.  we ask the officers and troops not to continue serving in an army that is behaving like a foreign occupation army, (words indistinct) the civilian population, executing priests, and massacring labor leaders.    in the cities and countryside, a sea of guerrillas (break in reception prevents completion of item).


Input: we are in contact with san salvador and we are receiving more reports on the persecution unleashed against the religious groups in san salvador.    we remind you that a few weeks ago colonel francisco elena fuentes and colonel inocente orlando montano launched a campaign against the lutheran and other churches throughout el salvador.  now this campaign, orchestrated by col elena fuentes, chief of the 1st infantry brigade's death squads, has heightened.  not only have jesuit priests been murdered, but this morning the national guard arrested two priests and several missionaries, including a u.s.  citizen.  we repeat: two priests and several missionaries have been arrested including a u.s. citizen.  these people were arrested by the national guard.  we call on all the (word indistinct) around the world; we call on all the latin american religious sectors to mobilize.  two priests and several missionaries were arrested this morning by the national guard in san salvador.  among the arrested persons is a u.s.  citizen.    radio venceremos is in contact with san salvador to gather more detailed information regarding the whereabouts of the two priests and several missionaries, including a u.s. citizen, who were arrested.    the persecution against the church continues by arena (nationalist republican alliance) and the la tandona (reference to the 1966 graduates of the captain gerardo barrios military academy) military clique.  radio venceremos calls on all the international community, especially the catholic universities around the world, the latin american community, to mobilize, occupy salvadoran embassies, demonstrate in front of salvadoran embassies around the world and demand the release of the priests who were arrested this morning by the national guard.  (words indistinct) 1 minute for the religious community around the world to speak out and mobilize to pressure president cristiani. this could save the lives of the persons arrested this morning by the national guard, a bloodthirsty guard that is reliving the last days of the somozist guard.  the killing of priests and now the arrest of two priests and several missionaries further confirms that the regime is on the verge of collapsing, that it is desperate and no longer cares about the international community, pressure, or requests for an end to the bombings and bloodshed.  this morning's response has been the arrest of two priests and several missionaries.


Input: actions such as these, accompanied by orchestrated slanderous campaigns, scare away investments from our country and the humanitarian aid that we need so much.  dr custodio, the same as noriega, continues to deceive the people and exploit them to further personal interests and international communism.  as a bureaucrat, (although he tries to cover this up), custodio owns many material goods and foreign bank accounts, and as if this were not enough, he is fueling the bonfire of violence in our country only to run away when the fire gives way to chaos and anarchy among the people.  he will leave the country with his international contacts and feel satisfied for what he has done. peace in central america (subhead)    codeh has done nothing for peace in central america.  quite the contrary, it has discredited democratic countries and supported the sandinist government of daniel ortega, who is now doing all he can to boycott free elections to which the nicaraguan people are entitled to, and to murder those who laid down their arms and are returning to the country in search of peace, democracy, and liberty.    codeh has done nothing to promote peace and respect for human rights, because it is supporting and promoting the recruitment, training, and actions of guerrilla groups, which are destabilizing and sowing violence among democratic peoples.    the evidence is clear.  codeh believes that the sandinist government is the best one in central america.  the fsln (sandinist national liberation front), with cuba's support, is channelling arms to the farabundo marti national liberation front of el salvador to murder innocent salvadoran people.  all this is taking place with the approval of dr custodio and his financing sources, which realize that their strategic, ideological, economic, and political goals are coming true.   conclusion (subhead)    in conclusion: what can the honduran people expect from dr custodio and codeh when they would rather destroy honduras and its people to ingratiate themselves with the communists?    what can be expected from a human rights "leader" who is constantly denouncing condemnations and attacks and defines himself as a persecuted person, and who manipulates public opinion to gain notoriety while creating fear and terror among the honduran people?    what future can honduras expect when the alleged human rights defender specializes in discrediting the honduran people abroad?    what can the honduran people expect when codeh collaborates with and supports the arming of the sandinists, salvadoran guerrillas, and dictator noriega?    dr custodio is not being persecuted for political reasons, he is no human rights leader, and he has not been condemned to death.  he is simply a man who has chosen the wrong path.  while communism behind the iron curtain, which is over 70 years old, is embracing democracy as a way of life (hungary, poland), he intends to replace democracy for communism and liberty for slavery in honduras.    dr custodio has simply made a mistake and he stays on his path through deceit and lies.    down with the honduran marxist-leninist traitors!    stop international communism!    stop the manipulation of the honduran people!    democrats will not allow the enslavement and murder of the peoples!    let us stop those who manipulate human rights of our honduras.    free honduras movement


Input: we recently heard u.s. ambassador william walker on a salvadoran television newscast.  he said no one knew exactly who had planned the murder of father ignacio ellacuria and the other jesuit priests who were assassinated early yesterday morning.    radio venceremos tells william walker that his cynicism is beyond the limit.  william walker knows perfectly well which general staff office issued the order to assassinate the jesuit priests.    william walker knows that on the night of 11 november radio cuscatlan urged the people to assassinate ignacio ellacuria, ruben zamora, and doctor guillermo ungo.  the whole world.... (corrects himself) the international media has featured the recording in which radio cuscatlan -- the armed forces general staff's radio, meaning the radio controlled by the armed forces general staff, the radio in which not a single word, not a single comma goes out without the approval of the censors which have been imposed on radio cuscatlan - - (words indistinct) death.    therefore, william walker knows perfectly well where the order came from; he knows the exact time that 40 uniformed men left in (words indistinct) curfew, a few blocks from colonel rene emilio ponce's office.  william walker's cynicism went beyond the limit when he said that he does not know (words indistinct) or who planned ignacio ellacuria's assassination.    william walker is doing a historical imitation of the filibuster who came to central america in 1856 to subjugate our people and become president of a central american nation, meaning nicaragua, who decreed that english be the official language, and that the u.s.  flag become the occupation forces' flag.  wiliam walker is re- editing a shameful chapter in central america's history.  william walker, the u.s. ambassador in our homeland, is re-editing -- in the form of a caricature -- a historical event which occurred in the 19th century. however, we want to tell something to the new william walker, who has been featured in press and television news reports giving figures which differ even from those given by col ponce; the new william walker, who thinks he is president of the republic and is better than cristiani and col ponce, so he gives invented figures on guerrilla casualties; the new william walker, who evaluates the nation's political and military situation, even before cristiani and ponce do so, even contradicting col ponce's figures.  william walker said 40 members of the fmln (farabundo marti national liberation front) were captured, yet the bleary-eyed col ponce last night talked about 9 fmln members.  where, then, are the rest of the captured fmln fighters?    humanitarian groups should pay attention to that contradiction between president william walker and his subordinate, col ponce.  red cross international, green cross, and amnesty international must demand that william walker say where the captured guerrilla fighters are, because col ponce only mentions nine fighters.  col ponce talks about nine and the other one talks about dozens.  the international community must pay close attention to the contradiction between president william walker and his subordinate, col ponce.  where are the other captured fighters?  most of them were surely civilians who have nothing to do with the conflict.  they must have been caught in the war zones and then presented to the media as dead guerrilla fighters.    we demand, before the international community, that ambassador william walker clearly say how col ponce could have been mistaken when admitting that only nine guerrilla fighters were captured -- while the u.s. ambassador personally revealed the figures that should have been revealed by president cristiani a long time ago -- even if they were imaginary figures.  william walker must answer this question: where are the guerrilla fighters?

father ignacio ellacuria


Input: colombian president virgilio barco vargas will pay an official working visit to japan from december 5-8, a foreign ministry spokesman said thursday.    barco will be the first colombian president to visit japan.    government ministries are formulating an economic aid program for colombia, which is currently fighting against drug syndicates, informed sources said.    japan extended a total of 6.69 million dollars in economic aid to colombia last year.    the colombian leader is scheduled to meet emperor akihito, prime minister toshiki kaifu and foreign minister taro nakayama.    the sources also said japanese police will provide tight security for barco against possible terrorist attack during his four-day stay here.    barco has been waging an all-out war with the drug cartels since he took office as president in 1986.


Input: fighting continues today in san salvador, and for the first time, the triumphalist tone of the salvadoran army begins to change.  an ap cable we received this morning in our newsroom says the following: the armed forces have acknowledged they have serious problems in various suburbs of this capital.  this is what the ap cable says textually in its headline.    in addition to this situation, there is another fact in the battlefield to which the news agencies have not paid much attention, which is also a reflection of the type of combat that the salvadoran forces are fighting.  ap itself says the following: the war became dirty with the murder of six jesuit priests and two women by unidentified terrorists who acted during the curfew.  furthermore, the cable says that the canadian embassy in san salvador reported that 12 workers from the lutheran church were arrested by uniformed security individuals in downtown san salvador.  at the beginning, the cable said that the six priests had been murdered by unidentified terrorists.  later, they are identified as uniformed individuals.    among the priests murdered was father ignacio ellacuria, rector of the central american university and director of a magazine which reflected the peoples' thoughts, not only in el salvador but also in the rest of central america.  none of these priests belonged to the farabundo marti national liberation front (fmln).  furthermore, ellacuria himself on several occasions expressed opinions which did not concur with those of the fmln.  however, he felt that a solution to the salvadoran problem could not exclude the people's inclusion of the fmln.  the assassins who acted under the protection of the curfew are from the salvadoran army, they are not unidentified terrorists, like the ap cable says.  they are assassins of the salvadoran army, the same army which has all the support of the u.s.  government.  in this, we can also see the double standard of the bush administration. on the one hand, all its publicity apparatus says to the world that washington is in favor of democracy and respect for human rights. however, in practice, it supports the assassins of priests and supplies bombs and rockets so that the salvadoran army -- which has planes and helicopters provided by the united states -- can bomb the salvadoran civilian population.    these are the facts.  this is the truth that yankee propaganda is hiding and manipulating.

assassins of the salvadoran army

salvadoran army

ignacio ellacuria


Input: this morning, and with a stupid look on his face, u.s.  ambassador william walker asked who had killed father ignacio ellacuria.  he said he did not know who had done this.  well then, mr william walker, and monitors at the u.s. embassy, good morning; radio venceremos greets you.  we are asking you to take down what we are going to say and take it immediately to william walker's office.    good morning u.s. embassy monitors, tell william walter -- we do not know if he is from tennessee like the other filibuster -- that radio venceremos is giving him a clue so that he can find out who killed father ellacuria.  tell william walkler to find out who arrested two priests and several missionaries, including a u.s. citizen this morning.    ambassador william walker, this morning you asked who had murdered father ignacio ellacuria; radio venceremos will give you a clue.  find out who ordered this morning's arrest of two priests.  u.s. ambassador william walker, if you have a drop of decency left in you, speak up, say what you know.  tell us where the 40 men in uniform left from.  u.s. ambassador william walker from tennessee, that is, if you are from tennessee like the other filibuster -- radio venceremos is giving you a clue so that you will find an answer to the question you candidly asked on television this morning.  you said that you did not know who had ordered the death of one of the most intelligent men in el salvador, not born in el salvador but more salvadoran than colonel rene emilio ponce.    we repeat, mr ambassador to el salvador, the following is our clue: find out who ordered the arrest of the priests and missionaries, including a u.s. citizen.  find out immediately, and you better move quickly, otherwise they could be killed.  there lies your answer.  ask whether the two priests were arrested by the fmln (farabundo marti national liberation front) or the armed forces.  we insist, if there is a single drop of decency left in you, check the elena fuentes statements against the church monitored a few days ago.    mr ambassador william walker, if there is a single drop of decency left in you, check the recordings the u.s. embassy has of radio cuscatlan and listen to what they said about father ignacio ellacuria, msgr rivera y damas, and msgr gregorio rosa chavez on the night of 11 november and earlier.    gentlemen at the u.s. embassy who are monitoring us, help the ambassador.  go to your files, find the radio cuscatlan recordings and take them to the ambassador's office.  monitors at the embassy, help that absentminded ambassador.  monitors at the embassy, give him a hand; it seem that the ambassador's memory is failing him.  monitors, you who are so efficient, we ask you to help the ambassador regain his memory.  take him col elena fuente's recording accusing the church of having ties with the fmln.  take him col montano's statements, take him col zepeda's statements, take him roberto d'aubuisson's statements, accusing father ignacio ellacuria of being the director of the war in el salvador.  help us u.s. embassy monitors because it seems that mr william walker has a very short memory.

ignacio ellacuria


Input: according to reports received in this national radio-television network, british newsman david blundy of the sunday times (as heard) became a victim of the farabundo marti national liberation front, fmln, bullets.  he died a few minutes ago at rosales hospital. the fmln terrorists do not satisfy their instincts by killing civilians and the uca (central american university) jesuits, now they are aiming their criminal machineguns at journalists.    the salvadoran government and the people, together with the glorious armed forces, repeat their call to the international community to repudiate the fmln assassins.    the civilians who gave blundy first aid have told us that the newsman was hit by an fmln sniper when he was greeting an officer of our glorious armed forces in mejicanos.    this action once more confirms the treacherous and flagrant human rights violations of the fmln assassins, who are being repudiated by the salvadoran people.

an fmln sniper

farabundo marti national liberation front

david blundy

bullets


Input: comrade villalobos (member of the general command of the farabundo marti national liberation front (fmln)) referred to the bombings and the killing of the jesuit priests.  this is the question he was asked: in the past few hours, several governments and humanitarian organizations have pressured the government to stop the bombings and the bloodshed in our homeland.  however, despite this international pressure, the jesuit priests were killed in san salvador.  therefore, what is the intention behind the bombings?  what intention did the armed forces' general staff have in killing the jesuits?  commander villalobos replied:    (begin recording) (villalobos) first, it must be said that the killing of the jesuit priests by the cristiani government was a harsh blow to the possibilities for an effective democracy in our country. the jesuit priests are a sector of salvadoran society that has made and continues to make great contributions to our people's education. they taught us how to debate, the need to reason things out, and the need to have political pluralism.    however, it is evident that the salvadoran armed forces, the (word indistinct) sectors, and mr. cristiani cannot stand intelligent people, the debates, the analyses, and the people's reasoning.  this is why they committed this crime.    the responsibility for this crime becomes evident, not only based on direct circumstances such as the fact that it was carried out by uniformed men during the curfew period and that a few days before the crime a group of military men checked out the place where they were going to commit the crime -- clearly intending to prepare a plan -- but because of accusations against the jesuits made over the national network.  we must also bear in mind that this crime was a political mistake made by the dictatorship.  it was a miscalculation on the part of those who made that decision.    we have already mentioned that the armed forces have been unable to stop the fmln.  they could not stop the fmln plan.  once we began to implement the plan (1-second break in reception) a very critical situation.    within the framework of this critical situation, they took the wrong step.  the day before the crime the armed forces began a strategy to wear out the fmln, logistically.  we must not ignore the fact that the armed forces' calculations were based on the assumption that the fmln forces would become exhausted.  we would have made a serious mistake if we had begun this plan without foreseeing all these circumstances.  however, the armed forces based their calculations on our possible exhaustion.    consequently, based on those calculations, they figured that they had 3 or 4 days to launch a counterattack.  so, the day prior to the killing of the jesuit priests, they launched several offensives -- i rather call them counteroffensives -- to try to dislodge us from our positions.  their tactic was to make us waste ammunition.  they were not really trying to make us abandon our positions yet.    however, our fighters, in addition to saving our ammunition, have the material and human resources so they inflicted many casualties on the armed forces and wore them out.  but it seems that the armed forces did not realize that and felt that they could launch a big counterattack to annihilate the fmln forces.  based on that, they came up with a plan that was not only military but political.  (words indistinct) the u.s. ambassador, the u.s. advisers, the bush administration, and who knows who else were informed about this plan. they made the wrong interpretation of the calls made by the international red cross and other humanitarian organizations on the need to have a truce to evacuate civilians.  they thought that we made these calls and based on that, they felt that they could proceed to a counteroffensive.    based on that, let us analyze the propaganda and information disseminated on the day prior to the killing of the jesuits.  the u.s. ambassador himself explained a war report and gave an update on the situation.  thus, they thought that the fmln was going to suffer a great political and military defeat in the next few hours.  they had an overall plan.  (continued)

uniformed men

armed forces' general staff


Input: the army carried out a large bomb attack on northern san salvador in an effort to weaken our positions.  (words indistinct) they thought they were going to have a victory there.  but it just so happens that, aside from all the propaganda they used and the plan to weaken us militarily, the armed forces attacked union offices and the homes of leaders of popular movements in various sectors.  apparently, everyone had gone into hiding and they only found the wife of a university leader and they killed her.  they also found the jesuits.  it seems that in view of recent talks with cristiani, father ellacuria had become very trusting.  he thought that nothing would happen to them.  (30-second break in reception) this situation so they did not protect themselves in the face of the danger of a possible action such as this crime.    on the same night when the entire northern san salvador area was being bombed, the jesuits were killed.  what was their intention? they thought they were to obtain a military victory and set out to carry out a witch hunt.  they set out to kill all opposition members that one night, with the idea that they were going to wipe out the fmln, militarily.  based on that assumption, they decided to carry out this action to guarantee for themselves a few more years of stability through the peace of cemeteries, regardless of the consequences.    what really happened?  the day after they committed the crime, they launched their offensive to annihilate the fmln.  they thought this was going to be their decisive day, but the offensive failed.  their attack was repelled, they sustained many casualties, and loss much materiel.  their troops were further beaten and they did not obtain any effective military results.    consequently, their counteroffensive was rejected and the blow they thought they were going to deal to the leaders of the popular movement failed, on the one hand because some of these leaders were hiding and on the other because they committed an horrendous crime and it backfired.  it was a crime (word indistinct) by the general staff and mr. cristiani knew about it.  cristiani clearly (words indistinct) and probably even the u.s. embassy could be involved in this.  they thought that by killing all opposition members, they were going to achieve definite peace in el salvador.  this is very clear.  but this action backfired.  it was a painful incident, but it is an incident that is going to backfire for the government.  it is going to result in great isolation for the regime, at a moment when the fmln is stronger.  at a moment when the fmln has a political, military, and strategic advantage.    the murder of the jesuits is suicide for the regime.  i really do not understand it.  they made a very serious mistake.  in addition, they confirmed a truth we have been maintaining: they are fascists and assassins.  they must leave power.  they have created a situation in which the possibility for an fmln victory is great.  they have created a situation in which the disappearance of the most conservative oligarchic sectors of the salvadoran society will be caused by their own mistakes.  (end recording)

general staff

union offices

homes of leaders of popular movements


Input: the salvadoran opposition political parties and the people's organizations today proposed the creation of a salvation junta that would include the army and the fmln (farabundo marti national liberation front), humberto centeno -- leader of the opposition national union of salvadoran workers (unts) -- has announced.  in statements to ips, centeno said the fmln has already said it is willing to join the country's political life, and that it is willing to be a part of a salvation junta as a solution to the national crisis.    the unts' proposal was supported by fidel chavez mena, christian democratic party (pdc) national secretary and president of the latin american christian democratic organization, in statements to the press.  chavez mena, who was the pdc presidential candidate in the past elections, said that one of the ways to solve the civil war problem would be for the government to rectify its stand and initiate new negotiations.  we should all sit down to find a solution, he told newsmen, adding that neither side will achieve a military victory.    meanwhile, centeno stated that the bombings in densely populated areas and the murder of six jesuit priests are factors that are wearing out the government and the armed forces high command. according to the labor leader, none of the social forces with any representative force support alfredo cristiani and his government.    although there is not a general consensus, the political and labor groups have said they are in favor of a negotiated solution and the resumption of a dialogue with the presence of the oas and the united nations as well as the central american presidents as guarantors of the agreements.  however, the petition might not be received well by a government that is apparently not willing to negotiate a cease-fire with the rebels who continue occupying the neighborhoods in the northern area of the capital city.


Input: the central american, mexican, and panamanian episcopal conferences "condemn" and "repudiate" the war in el salvador and demand that the conflicting parties to declare "an immediate cease - fire."    a communique released in guatemala today states that the latin american bishops met in guatemala on 16 november to discuss "with deep pain and anguish the bloody episodes of a civil war that are destroying el salvador" and to express "our suffering and concern about the extreme situation that our salvadoran brothers are experiencing."    the celam (latin american bishops conference) communique stresses: "we feel an urgent need to join our voice to those of all the men and women who reject violence as a method for solving problems."    thus, "we condemn and repudiate that fratricidal war, which is the bitter result of the situation of unbearable injustice that the noble salvadoran people have been experienced.  that situation has also been worsened by the reproachable interference of hegemonic powers who are servicing interests unconnected with our nations."    the central american, mexican, and panamanian bishops call on all christians to raise a single cry in demanding that the conflicting parties immediatly declare a cease - fire and establish a truce.    the president and delegates of the area episcopal conferences add that the cease - fire would allow "first, the evacuation of wounded people and the burying of all those who have been killed, and it would also help in seeking a national and human way out to this merciless massacre."    the document says: "we express our pain over the violent death of various priests and hundreds of christians and we hope that their blood will be a seed yielding to a daybreak of peace, justice, and love."    the bishops add that they are "truly" in solidarity with the salvadoran church, its faithful, and clergymen "to whom we are linked through a deep feeling of fraternal affection and whose forced absence in this bishops' meeting we have deeply regretted."    the document is signed by msgr dimas cedeno delgado, president of the panamanian episcopal conference and santiago, veraguas province bishop; msgr roman arrieta villalobos, san jose bishop and president of the costa rican episcopal conference; msgr salvador schlaffer, bluefields bishop and president of the nicaraguan episcopal conference; msgr hector santos hernandez, archbishop of tegucigalpa and president of the honduran episcopal conference.    in addition, the communique is signed by msgr juan jesus posadas ocampo, guadalajara archbishop and vice president of the mexican episcopal conference; msgr rodolfo quezada toruno, zacapa bishop and president of the guatemalan episcopal conference, and by msgr oscar andres rodriguez, tegucigalpa auxiliary bishop and celam secretary general.


Input: we condemn guatemalan interference in el salvador.    the guatemalan national revolutionary unity (urng) general command expresses its profound solidarity and admiration for the salvadoran people and their vanguard forces, the fmln (farabundo marti national liberation front), who with great heroism and determination, are writing one of the most glorious pages in salvadoran history.    with deep indignation, we have seen how the members of la tandona, (members of the 1966 graduating class of the captain gerardo barrios military academy) and the arena (nationalist republican alliance) government headed by president cristiani have decided to conduct and maintain massive bombings against the defenseless civilian population, thus sowing death, slaughtering, and destroying, in view of their inability to defeat, dislodge, or contain the heroic fmln fighters.    cristiani's government and the salvadoran army have lost control over their actions because of their desperation over the fmln's victorious advance.  the fmln forces have not only maintained their positions, but have also increased them in san salvador and throughout the remaining salvadoran territory.    acting out of revenge, cristiani's government and the salvadoran army began a series of criminal actions aimed at all those who have identified themselves with the fair causes of the salvadoran majority. as a result, early on the morning of 16 november, six jesuit priests and two humble women who worked with them were brutally murdered.    we share the enormous pain of the salvadoran people and that of the jesuit communities.  we add our protest to the voices of all those who have protested against such a vile murder.    the urng general command vigorously condemns those actions and calls on the guatemalan people and on all political, social, democratic, and religious organizations to express themselves against those barbaric and genocidal actions, which can only be compared to the actions carried out by the united states in vietnam and the nazis during world war ii.    in our statement issued on 13 november, we reported the interventionist plans of the guatemalan army against our fraternal nation, el salvador.  according to reports released by press agencies on 15 november, 126 guatemalan army men belonging to special troops called saibiles, who characterized themselves for their pathologic savagery, were deployed.  (sentence as heard) president cerezo, the chief of the guatemalan general staff, and the guatemalan army official spokesman have already publicly expressed their solidarity and support for cristiani.    we vigorously condemn the interference of the guatemalan army against the glorious salvadoran people.  we call on all guatemalan groups to protest that interference.  we will make the guatemalan government and army pay a very high price for this aggression against the fraternal salvadoran people.    we warn the world that a genocide larger than the one which has already occurred is being conducted in el salvador now.  we are sure the salvadoran people will defeat all their enemies; that they will be the winners of this historic struggle, and that they will achieve their goals.    the blood that has been shed will turn into new life.  the salvadoran people will undoubtedly achieve their goals of freedom, democracy, and peace.    guatemala, 17 november 1989    urng general command    (signed) commander rolando moran    commander gaspar ilom    commander pablo monsanto    carlos gonzalez, pgt (guatemalan labor party) secretary general

cristiani's government

salvadoran army


Input: the spanish diplomatic delegation that will attend the funerals of the jesuits who were killed in san salvador on 16 november left for el salvador at 0305 local time (0205 gmt) aboard a "boeing 707" of the spanish air force.    inocencio arias, under secretary of foreign affairs, and yago pico de coana, general director for latin american affairs, are the spanish government representatives who will attend the funerals of the jesuits who were killed on 16 november, five of whom were of spanish origin.    three members of the special operations groups (geos) are traveling on the same plane to guarantee the safety of the spanish embassy in san salvador and, in case it is necessary, the same plane will evacuate spanish citizens wishing to leave el salvador.


Input: salvadoran people: we have powerful reasons for ensuring that justice will be served in this regrettable incident in which father ellacuria, other priests, and civilians were killed.  we want to tell those who are trying to draw premature conclusions to abstain from doing so; we urge you to heed the community of jesus and the archbishopric of san salvador's calls that this case not be politicized or used to generate further violence in the country.    we believe that an investigation must be conducted; we are committed to conducting an in-depth investigation to punish the perpetrators of this savage action regardless of who is involved.  the armed forces high command and the government of the republic will request help to ensure that the salvadoran crime investigation commission will be advised by experts in order to get to the root of this regrettable incident as soon as possible.  we will ask the united states, great britain, and spain to help us.  i mention spain because some of those who were assassinated are citizens of that country.    salvadoran people: we believe that the time has come to conduct an investigation and ensure that justice is served in reprehensible actions like this one instead of politicizing them and generating further violence.    the government of the republic and the armed forces will never allow a return to the past; a return to those dramatic and regrettable times in the country when groups wanted to futher their cause through violent acts such as this one.  we will not allow this to happen and will pursue such groups to ensure that they feel the full force of the law.

ellacuria


Input: on the 7th day of the offensive, the farabundo marti national liberation front (fmln) has taken a strategic turn in the war, as we begin to struggle for power in a new and definite scenario of operations in the cities, with the insurrectional participation of the people seeking to achieve peace and democracy.  the fighting waged in san salvador, san miguel, usulutan, zacatecoluca, santa ana, and other parts in the country have been possible thanks to the leading role played by the people who have supported and joined the struggle.    the 7 days of our offensive have exposed the military fascist dictatorship to the eyes of the world.  the dictatorship has removed its civilian mask, and it has shown its barbaric nature as it bombed cities and murdered jesuit priests, who were members of a national conscience that is seeking social changes and peace in el salvador.    these crimes committed by cristiani and colonel ponce (chairman of the armed forces joint chiefs of staff) definitely isolate them from the rest of the world, which condemns them and recalls the last days of somoza.  in the meantime, the u.s.  congress discusses cutting military aid to the regime.  the 7 days of our offensive have led to irreversible achievements.  the regime has been defeated in the political field and fataly wounded in the military field.    in 7 days of combat in the capital city, the high command lost its last defensive line.  our forces are hitting hard at their tired heart.  victory is a fact that no one can alter.    in the offensive, we killed or wounded an estimated 827 troops and officers.  we seized 127 long weapons, 21 machineguns and support weapons, as well as about 80,000 rounds of ammunition of various calibers.  we have confirmed reports that we have damaged 11 aircraft and destroyed 27 armored personnel carriers.    the humiliating defeat of the high command is evident in a depressed col ponce, who no longer speaks of the guerrillas in pockets along the border.  instead, he speaks in front of a map of the capital city, pointing out the presence and advance of the fmln.    various political and social groups of el salvador have initiated efforts on the international level to achieve a consensus in order to form a new government that will put an end to the war and bring about the democratization of the country.  the fmln looks favorably on these efforts, and it has already actively joined these national sectors who are opposed to the genocide being carried out by the high command in a suicidal attempt to preserve the war that it has turned into a business deal.    the general command recognizes the heroism of our fighters and calls on them to continue advancing along with our rebels in the final chapter of this history.    (signed) the fmln general command, 17 november 1989

cristiani

colonel ponce

the military fascist dictatorship


Input: prd (democratic revolutionary party) communique:    twenty years after the latin american church met in medellin and decided to work for the needy, death squads in el salvador have murdered ignacio ellacuria, a priest, teacher, and a social fighter, along with seven other priests and faithful.  a war that began with the martyrdom of archbishop oscar arnulfo romero is now taking the lives of hundreds of victims who are killed in indiscriminate bombings and attacks on the population.    the crime committed today was sponsored by the same ones who are now planning general manuel antonio noriega's murder.  there is only a difference of time and place.  instead of bombing densely populated neighborhoods, these people are resorting to attacks on certain figures and leaders.    because of the enormous size of the latin american crisis, it is evident that the church cannot escape the demand that modern times impose on all groups of deciding whether to be on the side of patriotic and libertarian causes or to become accomplices of local and foreign oppressors.    like msgr romero, father ellacuria and his companions in martyrdom represent the church that is born from the homeland and that struggles along with the people.  panamanian general omar torrijos also decided to work along with the people from inside the armed forces.  these martyrs deserve the same solidarity they gave to the latin american cause of national liberation, because they challenged the oligarchy, imperialism, and even the reactionary groups of their own church.    now, when all the weight of the latin american crisis and foreign aggression falls upon the salvadoran and panamanian peoples; now that the salvadoran people are massively repressed; and now that the government in washington orders the cia to attack gen noriega, those who struggle in el salvador and those who patriotically resist are in fact doing so for all of latin america.    thus, ignacio ellacuria's and his partners' sacrifice, as well as the previous sacrifice of msgr romero and that of gen noriega, will bear fruits of liberation, justice, and sovereignty.    these fruits will be plentiful and more delicious if all those who have been next to and learned from these people continue struggling with their example in mind.  the sacrifice they have made for all of us deserves praise and solidarity.  we offer them that praise and solidarity by reaffirming our commitment to work and struggle for the definitive liberation of our own people.    (signed) carlos duque, president    national executive committee    democratic revolutionary party    panama, 16 november 1989

death squads

ignacio ellacuria


Input: and so, today we received a resolution from the guatemalan congress, where the guatemalan christian democracy, ucn (union of the national center), and the mln (national liberation movement), in sum, all the political forces joined in condemning violence and the fmln, and supporting our country's democratic institutionality which is what the people want. salvadoran brothers, this support must serve to motivate us to create a united front, reject the fmln's terrorist violence, and seek the peace our country wants and needs.    salvadoran people, we are sure this will be over soon.  in times like these, the salvadoran people have always reacted in a positive manner.  solidarity exists among all salvadorans to seek and help the neediest.  the salvadoran government is ready to do everything within its power to achieve total normalization as soon as possible.  in addition, it is just to recognize the military chiefs and officers and, especially, the soldiers who have been defending the salvadoran people for many days, trying to oust the fmln hordes from san salvador and other cities where they sought to sow terror.    we believe that those military chiefs and officers must feel the support from all the people and, primarily, our recognition of their bravery and total dedication to their fatherland and people, who are now seeking peace and calm.  as for us, military chiefs, officers, soldiers: our highest recognition and gratitude.  history will reward you and say the glorious armed forces and their units found the road for eradicating violence in the country.  salvadoran people, through the national radio network and different local news media, you have learned what is happening.  we will be giving you the information you need.  we also want to ask you today, just as you saw almost total normalcy -- buses on the streets, people going to work -- to continue doing your part so that tranquillity will prevail as soon as possible. to all, thank you.  may god bless you.


Input: captain velasquez, from the 6th infantry brigade command at usulutan, reports to the residents of the santa clara, san rafael, altamira, guevara, florida, and peralta neighborhoods -- who have been displaced from their homes by the terrorist criminals -- that they may return to their homes on 18 november, because the terrorist criminals have been dislodged from their positions.    the brigade command also reports that the situation in usulutan is 80-percent normal.  at the same time, we wish to recognize the efforts made by the atonal, oromontique, jucuaran, and lenca battalions as well as the security corps, who have done an excellent job in these past 5 days of combat.


Input: ...have controlled the terrorist actions of the fmln (farabundo marti national liberation front).  on 17 november, the armed forces made great advances, and we can now say that the area of zacamil has been totally recovered.  the civilian residents of that sector have suffered very much.  likewise, the armed forces control other areas in mejicanos municipality.  there are only some small pockets in ciudad delgado and some sectors of soyapango municipality where there are still some clashes.    salvadoran people, it is regrettable that the fmln insists on continuing with these destructive actions that make innocent people, who only want to be with their families and live in peace, go through some truly dramatic moments.  however, we must have full confidence that the armed forces are going to definitely control all of these fmln terrorists.  that is the scope of the armed forces advance, salvadoran people.    we trust that each day we will continue advancing until we have full control, in the least amount of time possible, always respecting the lives of those civilians in danger.  in a cowardly manner, the fmln hides behind these innocent civilians and uses them as shields.    we also want to tell you, salvadoran people and particularly those who have been forced in any manner to abandon their homes that, through the emergency commission, the government is offering basic services, as best it can, to the people who have been temporarily displaced from their homes.    we believe that with the help of all the friendly countries who are already beginning to help and send aid, (changes thought) for example, the united states of america.  we have also been told that tomorrow the king of spain is sending a plane loaded with medication. another plane is bringing 55,000 tons of medications from the order of malta. the salvadoran-american foundation is sending a very generous donation of 200 field tents to be used to provide protection for many families from the inclemency of the weather.  there is also the rotary club, and there is even a community in the united states called cooperation california that is sending 3,000 tons of corn.    salvadoran people, as you have observed, aid is on its way.  we want to tell those who are in such situations, in one way or another, to remain calm, to listen to the information and instructions that are continuously being given over the national radio network, and to cooperate and help so that the distribution of food and medications can be done in the best orderly manner.  we feel that what the country had in storage and what these generous countries and organizations are donating will be sufficient to attend to the people who are being momentarily affected.    the government of the republic is also making efforts to have a reconstruction fund.  we know that many homes have been damaged. the terrorists have opened huge holes in order to move in between         these houses.  this cowardly attack by the fmln has brought about much destruction.  once the situation has been normalized, we want to be able to give you financial assistance so that you can rebuild your homes and return to normalcy as soon as possible. (continued)


Input: and so, today we received a resolution from the guatemalan congress, where the guatemalan christian democracy, ucn (union of the national center), and the mln (national liberation movement), in sum, all the political forces joined in condemning violence and the fmln, and supporting our country's democratic institutionality which is what the people want. salvadoran brothers, this support must serve to motivate us to create a united front, reject the fmln's terrorist violence, and seek the peace our country wants and needs.    salvadoran people, we are sure this will be over soon.  in times like these, the salvadoran people have always reacted in a positive manner.  solidarity exists among all salvadorans to seek and help the neediest.  the salvadoran government is ready to do everything within its power to achieve total normalization as soon as possible.  in addition, it is just to recognize the military chiefs and officers and, especially, the soldiers who have been defending the salvadoran people for many days, trying to oust the fmln hordes from san salvador and other cities where they sought to sow terror.    we believe that those military chiefs and officers must feel the support from all the people and, primarily, our recognition of their bravery and total dedication to their fatherland and people, who are now seeking peace and calm.  as for us, military chiefs, officers, soldiers: our highest recognition and gratitude.  history will reward you and say the glorious armed forces and their units found the road for eradicating violence in the country.  salvadoran people, through the national radio network and different local news media, you have learned what is happening.  we will be giving you the information you need.  we also want to ask you today, just as you saw almost total normalcy -- buses on the streets, people going to work -- to continue doing your part so that tranquillity will prevail as soon as possible. to all, thank you.  may god bless you.


Input: fernando castro, delegate of the guerrilla organization farabundo marti national liberation front (fmln) in havana city, made here today an urgent call to the international community to put an end to the genocide and to the escalation of repression by the salvadoran regime.    the fmln delegate urged international public opinion, institutions, governments and peoples to take positions to put an end to the barbaric actions of the alfredo cristiani administration.  he charged that u.s. pilots took part in indiscriminate bombings and machinegunning perpetrated against the civilian population.  he also denounced the intervention of the guatemalan elite troops known as kaibiles, who were trained by israeli officers, and of honduran troops.    in a statement, afro-asian-latin american people's solidarity organization warned the international community about u.s.  military assistance to cristiani's government and the movement of u.s. troops in central america.


Input: a spanish diplomatic delegation led by inocencio arias, under secretary of foreign affairs, arrived today in el salvador to meet with the government and to attempt to evacuate the spaniards threatened by the violence in the country.    "we have come to state the spanish government's interest that the jesuits' crime be solved," arias stated at comalapa airport, where he arrived today at 1415 gmt.    six jesuits, five of them of spanish background, were assassinated on 16 november by men wearing military uniforms.    the high- ranking spanish foreign ministry official also announced his intention of "evacuating those spaniards who wish to leave," approximately 20, according to a report from the spanish embassy in san salvador.    the salvadoran capital and other cities in the country have been the sites of fierce clashes and bombings since the guerrilla groups' military offensive began a week ago. the army has practically controlled the situation in the capital in recent hours, but clashes continue in the outskirts.

men wearing military uniforms

military


Input: in a note released by the foreign ministry, the brazilian government states its indignation over the news about the murder of six jesuit priests in el salvador.    the brazilian government's message appeals to the parties involved in the salvadoran conflict to promptly resume negotiations following the oas suggestions regarding the search for peace.


Input: ...government against our embassy worsened.  this campaign was initiated at the highest levels of the salvadoran government.  on various occasions over the past 8 days, television, press, and radio have systematically broadcast statements by el salvador's top military and political authorities, president cristiani, vice president merino, and the head of arena (nationalist republican alliance), etc, blaming nicaragua for what is happening in el salvador.    this campaign has been systematic and it has encouraged terrorist groups to threaten the lives and safety of nicaragua's diplomatic representatives.  over the past few days, i have received many death threats from extremist sectors and, i repeat, this led the nicaraguan government to the decision to evacuate us.    this does not mean that diplomatic relations between the two countries are broken.  it is a precautionary measure to ensure the entire mission's physical safety.  we requested diplomatic protection from the mexican government and received a positive response.  we went today from the residence of the mexican ambassador in el salvador to the airport, and from there to managua.    if you have any questions, i will be glad to answer them.    (reporter) a question from radio sandino.  first of all, since you got a first- hand view, what is the current situation in el salvador; second, is this a provisional measure or will it be extended; how long will this measure last?    (lacayo) i cannot say how long it will last.  that is up to the government, and it will depend on the internal situation in the country.  regarding your first question, the situation is difficult. on a military level, the war continues; there is a good deal of misinformation by the salvadoran government and many international news agencies.  the truth is that the battle continues, there has been considerable physical destruction in many towns and neighborhoods on the outskirts of san salvador.  you know which towns are included: zacamil, ciudad delgado, soyapango, etc. this is the result of the indiscriminate bombings by the salvadoran air force.    (reporter) there is a report that somozist guards are fighting with the salvadoran army.  is there anything to this?    (lacayo) there are rumors to that effect.  some insurgent radio stations have reported it, and they have also mentioned troops from other central american governments.    (reporter) (question indistinct)    (lacayo) yes, but not with the persistence that prevails now.    (reporter) (question indistinct)    (lacayo) of course.  many telephone calls, surveillace by suspicious individuals and vehicles at the residence throughout the day, and especially direct threats by telephone.    (reporter) (question indistinct)    (lacayo) i would imagine they are salvadoran rightwing extremists, better known as death squads.  they began to selectively shoot people. there is the case of mrs norma girola de herrera, president of the womens institute, a very progressive institution.  mrs herera was very well known, and she was murdered under circumstances very similar to those of the assasination of the jesuits; on the same day.    (reporter) (question indistinct)    (lacayo( i do not have any more information because of the city's militarization.  a state of siege has been implemented, the circulation of vehicles is minimal, communication is sparse, telephones are tapped.    (reporter) (question indistinct)    (lacayo) yes, that has been proven.    (reporter) (question indistinct)    (lacayo) they are waging a war which consists at times of maintaining positions, at other times of mobilizing.  on several occasions controlled areas ceased to be controlled but the war continues.    (reporter) (question indistinct)    (lacayo) no, i do not know.  the government did that directly through the foreign ministry.    (reporter) (question indistinct)    (lacayo) no, because we did not know.  however, the truth is that we never had protection.  we never had police protection at the residence although it was requested through the foreign ministry.  the embassy had two policemen, but during this period they left and the embassy is without police protection.    (reporter) (question indistinct)    (lacayo) that has been said about guatemala and honduras.    (reporter) (question indistinct)    (lacayo) as a report and in the press.    (reporter) (question indistinct) (continued)

extremist sectors

salvadoran rightwing extremists

norma girola de herrera


Input: colonel rene emilio ponce, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, has reported that during clashes throughout the country between the courageous and brave soldiers of the armed forces and the fmln (farabundo marti national liberation front) terrorist criminals, the army has killed or wounded more than 1,000 rebels.    col ponce said that, based on recent figures, 655 marxist- leninist guerrillas have been killed and 491 have been wounded.    according to col ponce, the army has confiscated 324 rifles of various calibers, including more than 100 ak-47's, 26 mortars, 75 rocket and grenade launchers, 8 machineguns, and 40 other types of weapons, as well as a large amount of ammunition and material to fabricate bombs.    he also said that army troops had dismantled four guerrilla arsenals in the northern sector of mejicanos.    col ponce thanked citizens for their moral support to the various armed forces units by supplying important information concerning the rebels.


Input: attention, attention.  we have a last minute report.  the report is coming from the capital city.  heavy clashes are continuing this morning in various parts of northern san salvador.    clashes are continuing in the northeastern neighborhoods of san salvador, and heavy fighting is taking place in ciudad delgado.  the enemy troops are supported by armored vehicles, helicopters, and a (word indistinct) small plane, but our comrades are maintaining their positions in ciudad delgado.    this is a last minute report.  heavy fighting is currently taking place in the san salvador northeastern neighborhoods.  the farabundo marti national liberation front (fmln) is determined to win.  ciudad delgado continues fighting. there are also heavy clashes in mejicanos.    attention.  heavy clashes are not just taking place in san salvador.  clashes also continue in san miguel city.  the fmln positions in san miguel continue to be strong.  we continue to advance in san miguel city.    the report coming from san miguel states that clashes continue at this time.  ciudad delgado and san miguel are both centers of popular fighting.    radio venceremos is receiving last minute reports.  today, saturday 18 november, we are receiving a report saying that at 0500, our fighters began a counterattack on positions of the armed forces engineers military detachment, demifa.  the demifa position was attacked, and the clashes have spread to (words indistinct) and the demifa headquarters.  (passage indistinct)    in addition, a steel factory in zacatecoluca was sabotaged after dislodging the (word indistinct) demifa troops.    we repeat.  the fmln began a counterattack on the demifa headquarters in zacatecoluca at 0500 today.  the clashes in zacatecoluca city, la paz department have spread north, west, and east of the demifa headquarters.    at 0500, the fmln forces began to move in the demifa headquarters, attacking it with rifle and artillery fire and machineguns.  in zacatecoluca, la paz department, our forces took control of the entire steel factory.  after dislodging the enemy troops, our forces set the factory on fire.  the factory is owned by one of the oligarchic families that finance the death squads.    the reports we have just read to you, which came from san salvador, zacatecoluca, and san miguel -- three very important salvadoran cities -- indicate that fighting has increased today.  at this time, the air force is bombing fmln positions in ciudad delgado, northeastern san salvador.  the air force is now conducting an indiscriminate attack in densely populated areas.

forces

farabundo marti national liberation front

steel factory


Input: after meeting with his spanish counterpart inocencio arias, salvadoran deputy foreign minister ricardo valdivieso said that the salvadoran government today promised to investigate "in detail" the murder of six jesuit priests who were murdered on 16 november.    valdivieso said that "the salvadoran government promised spain and the international community to conduct an in-depth investigation of the murder of the jesuits."    spanish under foreign secretary arias arrived in el salvador today to ask the salvadoran government to identify the murderers of the jesuits, five spanish citizens and one salvadoran citizen.    arias, who will meet with president cristiani this afternoon, is accompanied by yago pico de coana, general director of the foreign ministry office for latin america, and by ambassador francisco cadiz.    upon his arrival, arias asserted that he will ask president cristiani's government to investigate the death of the jesuits and that he will try to evacuate approximately 20 spanish citizens whose lives are endangered, according to a preliminary list made by the spanish embassy.    spanish ambassador cadiz, however, told acan - efe that the people to be evacuated might not even add up to 12.


Input: in brief comments upon his arrival in panama city today, guillermo ungo, leader of el salvador's civilian left, described the salvadoran army's counteroffensive as "savage and genocidal."    ungo will stay in panama for 2 days before traveling to geneva, where he will participate in a meeting of the socialist international on 22-23 november.  ungo is vice president of that organization.    the leftist leader said the situation in el salvador is still "very unclear because the government has total control over all the media, there is a state of siege, and there is a 24-hour curfew in the area where there is fighting."    ungo told acan - efe that the army's actions in the neighborhoods where the most fierce battles have been waged are "savage and genocidal."    ungo, a former presidential candidate, took refuge in the venezuelan embassy in san salvador during the past 6 days because of threats against him over the official radio network.    the leftist leader was accused of being an "accomplice of the massacre by the fmln" (farabundo marti national liberation front), which has unleashed its biggest offensive in the last 10 years.    ungo left el salvador after the assassination of six jesuits by individuals wearing military uniforms on 15 november.

individuals wearing military uniforms

military

guillermo ungo


Input: the salvadoran government seems ready to carry out the investigation requested by the spanish government to clarify last thursday's murder of eight people, six of them jesuits, of whom five were spaniards.  good evening special correspondent gloria del campo in san salvador.    (begin recording) (del campo) good evening.  spanish under secretary for foreign affairs inocencio arias had a 40-minute meeting with president of el salvador alfredo cristiani, and also had a separate meeting with the deputy foreign minister in the absence of the minister.    according to inocencio arias, cristiani was very cordial and absolutely prepared to launch an investigation and he said the he wants spain, the united states, and great britain to make up the commission which will investigate the murder of the six jesuits and the two women who worked at the residence of the jesuits.  although it is still not known when the investigation will start, cristiani said it will be soon and that the investigation will be rapid, serious, and in-depth.  it is not known either which officials or experts will be involved or how long it will last.  cristiani also said that the armed forces staff wants to clarify the matter and that he did not rule out uncontrolled elements in the army as having been responsible for the murderers in this massacre.  (end recording)

uncontrolled elements

army


Input: guillermo ungo, vice president of the socialist international and main leader of the salvadoran civilian left, will meet with the presidents of venezuela and france and the prime minister of spain in the next few days.  ungo left el salvador today.    spokesmen of the national revolutionary movement (mnr), whose secretary general is ungo, told acan-efe that the leftist leader will meet with carlos andres perez, francois mitterrand, and felipe gonzalez and ask them to work for a cease-fire in el salvador.  ungo will also ask for the "immediate" resumption of the peace talks between the government and the farabundo marti national liberation front (fmln).    the government and the guerrillas had been scheduled to hold a third round of negotiations in caracas on 20 november, but after the assassination of 10 labor leaders the fmln announced last week it would not attend.    salvadoran president alfredo cristiani told acan-efe today that "we will not go to a meeting where the other side is not present."    ungo left for panama today after having taken refuge in the venezuelan embassy in el salvador 6 days ago because he was the target of death threats over an official radio network.  the salvadoran social democratic leader will also attend a socialist international meeting in geneva next week.    an mnr spokesman said ungo "plans to return to el salvador in about 10 days."    meanwhile, mnr assistant secretary hector oqueli colindres, who also left el salvador today, will meet with representatives of the costa rican government in the next few hours to discuss the salvadoran situation and ask for president oscar arias' mediation.

the government

guillermo ungo


Input: carlos saenz de tejada, secretary of the spanish embassy, announced today that the spanish government will evacuate 52 spaniards who live in san salvador on 19 november.    saenz de tejada told acan - efe that those who will be evacuated aboard a spanish air force plane "include some salvadoran spouses of spaniards."    most of the evacuees had asked to leave the country after the 16 november assassination of six jesuits, five of them spaniards, and after some of them received threats.    the evacuees have been asked to be at the comalapa international airport, approximately 50 km south of the salvadoran capital, at noon.    the embassy official said the embassy "does not have the means to accompany all these people to the airport and to guarantee their security."    the evacuees will leave el salvador along with spanish under secretary for foreign affairs inocencio arias, who arrived in el salvador today to meet with president alfredo cristiani and to attend the jesuits' funeral on 19 november.


Input: inocente arias, the spanish under foreign secretary, said today that salvadoran president alfredo cristiani "promised to carry out a prompt and serious investigation" and "to punish those responsible" for the murder of six jesuits and two women on 16 november.    arias added that the meeting held this afternoon with president cristiani was "cordial and sincere."    arias, who arrived today in san salvador along with other high-ranking spanish officials, said that "the president seems willing to promote a thorough investigation to determine who is responsible for the horrible massacre."    the official delegation came to el salvador after six jesuits, five of them spanish, were murdered by individuals wearing military uniforms.    inocencio arias affirmed that president cristiani is "a lucid, intelligent, and well-intended person," who is "apparently interested in clarifying the facts."    after meeting with arias, the salvadoran president explained to acan-efe that he requested experts be sent from spain, the united states, and great britain.    cristiani justified the presence of foreign experts "from spain, because the jesuits were spanish; from the united states, because they requested it; and from great britain, because of the fame of scotland yard.    according to arias, president cristiani "was affected by the deaths of the priests."    arias said that during his visit to el salvador, he will also try to "work on the departure of those spanish who are in greater danger in the country."    the official declined blaming any group for the death of the jesuits and the two women, but he emphasized that president cristiani told him that "the reponsible persons, whoever they may be, will be punished."    the salvadoran president told acan-efe that "the government and the armed forces, as an institution, are determined to investigate the case to the very end to uncover who committed the crimes."    when asked about the possibility they may be military members, he answered that "the armed forces have not ruled out that they might have been members of the army, and they are determined to investigate this thoroughly."    however, cristiani rejected the "premature interpretations" that claim the military carried out the multiple crime.    the salvadoran president told the spanish diplomat that the situation in el salvador "will be peaceful in a few days," and he reiterated that he "is willing to continue with the dialogue."    however, he told acan-efe that "we are not going to attend a meeting that will not be attended by the other party," referring to the announcement that the guerrillas are not planning to attend the meeting slated to start on 20 november in caracas, venezuela.    according to arias, cristiani insists that the situation is "pretty much controlled in the country," although the salvadoran         president warned them "there might be new outbreaks of violence."    today marks the 8th day of the bloody fighting between the army and the salvadoran guerrillas.  it has left at least 1,000 persons dead, hundreds of persons wounded, and tens of thousands of persons displaced, who have had to leave their neighborhoods and towns to flee from the crossfire of the fighters and the bombings of the salvadoran air force.

individuals wearing military uniforms

military


Input: a group of unidentified persons attacked the salvadoran embassy in lima with explosives tonight, causing property but no personal damage, salvadoran ambassador to peru roberto linares has reported.    before throwing several packages of dynamite, the assailants painted the walls of the diplomatic residence with the words farabundo marti national liberation front, as well as other words which made reference to the political violence in el salvador.    linares, in statements made to efe, criticized the attack, and after condemning the lack of police protection in the diplomatic office, said it is the first act of violence he has suffered in lima.    the diplomatic residence is located in the san borja district, located east of the peruvian capital.    the peruvian police did not comment on the incident, which took place shortly after 2100 local time (0300 gmt on sunday).  no terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

unidentified persons

farabundo marti national liberation front

salvadoran embassy

packages of dynamite


Input: the armed forces of el salvador hereby report to the salvadoran people the military situation throughout the national territory.    metropolitan area: in the capital city, army troops control the areas of cuscatancingo and mejicanos, particularly the zacamil, regalado, and el sol neighborhoods, where the army is constantly patrolling the area to prevent new subversive attacks.  in ciudad delgado, armed forces personnel are fighting small groups of extremists who have hidden in several homes in lomas del rio and san sebastian neighborhoods, where there are still some terrorists who will be expelled in a few hours.    likewise, army troops are conducting counterinsurgency operations in guadadalupe, suyapa, and los santos neighborhoods, soyapango municipality, where there was some fighting yesterday and this morning.  the number of casualties inflicted on the enemy is not available yet.  the army is controlling the situation in the amatepec and ciudad credisa neighborhoods and in santa marta no 2, where there still is a slight problem.  at noon today troops fought the terrorists in the northern part of mejicanos, but there are no reports on casualties yet.  the rebels are fleeing the santa marta neighborhood and other nearby areas.    western zone: the 2d infantry brigade, together with military detachments no 6 and no 7, control the western part of the country. this includes santa ana, sonsonate, and ahuachapan departments where there is no major problem.  there have been some clashes and encounters, but these have been unimportant and without any serious consequences for the civilian and military population.    eastern zone: the 3d infantry brigade, headquartered in san miguel city, reported this morning that their troops were fighting small rebel groups in francisco gaviria, 15 september, el molino, and lopez neighborhoods.  brigade officers said they expect to have full control in a few hours.  they also said that at least 15 rebels were buried in common graves on the outskirts of san miguel city, where they were abandoned by their comrades who yesterday afternoon began to flee as a result of the army's constant actions in that area of the country. (continued)


Input: the report adds that the situation in morazan and la union departments is under the control of military detachments no 3 and no 4, which are currently carrying out combing operations in the areas under their responsibility.  in addition, the 6th infantry brigade has reported that 56 rebels have been killed and approximately 60 others have been wounded since the beginning of the failed final offensive called "to the hilt." the 6th infantry brigade adds that joint counterinsurgency operations are being carried out with atonal battalion troops.    in the last 48 hours, the armed forces have confiscated 10 ak-47 rifles, 6 m-16 machigunes, 2 uzi machineguns, 1 mp-5 submachinegun, large quantities of ammunition, and materiel to make explosives.    similarly, the 6th infantry brigade reports that harassment operations were carried out this morning near a cemetery, chula vista neighborhood, and el nanzal hill on the outskirts of the aforementioned city.    paracentral area: the 5th infantry brigade, along with its military detachment no 2 and engineers military detachment, has its areas of responsibility under control, especially in san vicente, sensuntepeque, ilobasco, and other municipalities in cabanas and la paz departments.    up until now, there have been only small clashes in northern zacatecoluca city and in areas surrounding the zacatecoluca stadium and hospital.  several harassment operations and the burning of a steel factory took place early this morning in those areas, but no casualties have been reported.    members of the engineers military detachment are combing the aforementioned areas in order to completely dislodge the terrorist groups that are still circulating in the area.    number of fmln (farabundo marti national liberation front) casualties up until this morning:    the armed forces joint chiefs of staff confirm that 784 terrorists have been killed, and 527 have been wounded.  the armed forces also report that 129 rebels have been arrested and that 36 others showed up at various army posts located throughout the country.    the armed forces casualties include 208 army members killed and 427 wounded.  as for weapons confiscated, the army says it has confiscated 370 rifles, 82 grenade launchers, 26 mortars, 18 machineguns, 17 submachineguns, large quantities of ammunition, handguns, and large amounts of explosive materiel.    the army has found more weapons in zacamil neighborhood:    today, army troops patrolling zacamil neighborhood in northwestern san salvador found 47 m-16 rifles, 35,000 cartridges, 49 cartridge clips, and various explosives.  the weapons were hidden inside a medium-size truck found during a search operation conducted at noon today near zacamil neighborhood.  at present, armed forces members maintain total control over the zacamil neighborhood and  other surrounding areas.    the salvadoran armed forces thank the salvadoran people for their valuable cooperation and their support for the various army groups that are determined to dislodge the terrorist groups located in various parts of the country, especially in san salvador.    similarly, the armed forces congratulate our glorious chiefs, officers, and troops, who tenaciously, bravely, and heroically defend our people and homeland from the genocide imposed by the fmln hordes.    in addition, the armed forces warn the terrorists who still persist in their blind struggle against the salvadoran people that its firm and implacable advance will continue.  the armed forces ask those terrorists to surrender and turn themselves in to spare the honest population from even more suffering.  the armed forces will be benevolent with those who surrender.    the armed forces reiterate their unyielding willingness to continue struggling in defense of national sovereignty and the democratic process to preserve the freedom of all salvadorans.    san salvador, 18 november 1989

terrorist groups

farabundo marti national liberation front

steel factory


Input: the capital fell into darkness saturday night as electrical service throughout san salvador was cut and the country entered the eighth day of a nationwide rebel offensive.    insurgents from the leftist farabundo marti national liberation front (fmln) still held key positions around the capital, fending off fierce salvadoran air and artillery attacks.    the power outage, which had affected certain zones of the city and surrounding suburbs but not the entire city over the past week of fighting, came amid unconfirmed reports that the army was preparing a major counter-offensive to drive the rebels from the san salvador metropolitan area.    government soldiers blocked all access to the rebel-held northern and eastern sectors of the capital.    thousands of salvadorans continued to flee the combat zones, where a number have been killed in the cross-fire since the leftist fmln launched its attack november 11 -- the boldest offensive of the 10-year civil war.    insurgents who thursday had evacuated the district of zacamil -- devastated by the armed forces' aerial firebombings -- regrouped in ayutuxtepeque, an area north of the capital, according to press reports.    fighting was reportedly also raging in apopa, 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) north of the capital on the major northern route.    in the city of san miguel, 140 kilometers (87 miles) east of the capital, the rebels shot down a government a-37 combat plane, journalists there said.  this confirmed earlier fmln radio reports that the guerrillas had shot down an army dragon fly a-37 as it was bombing rebel-occupied sections of the city.    authorities estimated that more than 2,000 people had been killed or injured in the conflict.    joao baena soares, secretary general of the organization of american states (oas), was to arrive here sunday with an oas delegation seeking a cease-fire.


Input: cin reports the following to the salvadoran people:    1.  the armed forces has absolute control over national territory in san miguel, zacatecoluca, usulutan, santa ana, and san salvador. the situation is under control; only a few snipers remain in buildings and trees.    2.  citizens who are still still seeking refuge in their work places are advised to return to their respective homes before 1800 when the curfew begins.    3.  parents are advised to maintain calm in their homes and ensure that their children do not leave home until order has been fully restored.    4.  the press, radio, and television are warned that if they broadcast any information to public which has not been confirmed by the cin, they could face penalites; their facilities could be indefinitely closed.    5.  the salvadoran people must realize that the security corps, national guard, treasury police, national police, and rapid deployment battalions such as the atlcatl, atonal, arce, belloso, and bracamonte, and brigades belonging to our glorious armed forces have successfully defeated fmln (farabundo marti national liberation front) murderers to ensure the freedom and tranquillity of our salvadoran brothers. warlike operations launched in zacamil neighborhood, which involved ground and air forces, were necessary because of the violence and cruelty shown by the terrorist murderers against the civilian population.    6.  all basic and vital services in the country, such as water and electricity, are being provided normally and are under armed forces control.    7.  with great satisfaction, we report to the salvadoran people that the salvadoran government and armed forces have received expressions of support from nearly all professional unions and business groups.  they have agreed to resume daily activities to support president cristiani's efforts to bring about peace and progress.


Input: commander roberto roca, the repercussions of the jesuits' (words indistinct) were not long in coming.  one of the most significant ones was the editorial of an important u.s.  newspaper, the new york times, on 18 november.  the editorial says, among other things, that if president alfredo cristiani does not order a quick, thorough, and genuine investigation to catch the assassins, he might lose the united states' economic aid.    the editorial also states the democrats in congress have said that the military aid should be suspended if el salvador cannot control and punish the death squads.  they add that if he does not heed the warning, the next statement might be issued by both parties.  what are the implications of this important statement by an influential u.s. newspaper for cristiani's government and the salvadoran armed forces?    (roca) actually, the new york times states the feeling pervading the entire united states.  it is a way of confirming that the fascist groups prevail within the government and arena (nationalist republican alliance), and they are deciding the regime's policies. political opinion in the united states has undoubtedly been shaken by this massacre planned by alfredo cristiani's government.    we believe that u.s. politicians will progressively come to support the u.s. people's feelings and will demand that cristiani's government order the investigation.  we know that this will not be easy in el salvador, because, as the editorial points out, similar assassinations have been perpetrated innumerable times.  these cases have been surrounded by absolute secrecy; no culprits are found; and witnesses have testified many times that the actions were carried out by armed forces members, either dressed as civilians or in uniform.  however, the policy of the armed forces and the government protects the culprits.    we believe that this civilian assassination, meaning the assassination of the jesuit priests, the fact that practically all the leaders of the labor movement were sought out that same night to be killed, plus the fact that the killing of the cooperative members was carried out within the framework of the great battles being fought in el salvador's urban areas, will eventually convince u.s.  politicians that the government they have been supporting is clearly a fascist government which has absolutely no interest in any kind of democratic consolidation.  (continued)

armed forces members

alfredo cristiani's government


Input: real life is making it evident that in el salvador we must find a democratic solution to the terrible crisis being endured -- to the war.  this democratic solution means isolating and excluding the fascists from power because they are against democracy.    mr cristiani cannot say under these circumstances that he shares no responsibility in the murder of the jesuits.  in the framework of his frustrated attempt to stop the guerrilla offensive, he unleashed the dogs of war -- all the fascist elements -- so that they would commit all the outrages they have committed.  this includes the fascist elements in the air force and their indiscriminate bombing of the civilian population, as well as the death squads, who were unleashed so they would murder people who best express the democratic feelings of the people and, as in the case of the jesuit priests, to eliminate a valuable sector of the salvadoran intelligentsia at the service of democracy and social justice.    as we all know, the jesuits had continuously denounced the unjust system in el salvador and had called for clearing up all crimes.  the fascists, in their hatred, put an end to the lives of these jesuits believing that they can hide the sun with one finger.  the indignation of the salvadoran people will be increasingly backed by the u.s. people as a result of their indignation and by u.s.  politicians who have become aware of the fact that it is necessary to put an end to fascist outrages in el salvador.  the fascists represent a barrier that must be destroyed and defeated to have democracy in el salvador.    (reporter) commander, if the united states decided to cut off military and economic aid to the salvadoran government, what impact would this have on the armed forces?    (roca) we have said on many occasions that the salvadoran armed forces would have lost the war some time ago were it not for u.s. support and financing.  as we have stated in all our proposals for a political solution, our objective is neither the destruction nor the elimination of the armed forces.  what we want is for the armed forces to get rid of the fascist elements that have turned it into a tool that acts against the people and democracy.    we believe that sensible salvadoran armed forces officers, those who have not lost their heads, must take into consideration (words indistinct) indiscriminate bombing, the political defeat of the cristiani government, and the military defeat of the methods and tactics (words indistinct).  (continued)

death squads