Input: during the last 3 weeks in colombia, you know, a real war has been going on, a war being waged by the government on the drugs mafia.  in bogota, medellin, cali, and other towns shots are heard, bombs explode, blood is flowing, and more and more often we hear the words the medellin cartel.  this is the heart of the colombian mafia. what is it?  how did it form?  with this question i turn to you, yuriy nikolayevich.  incidentally, i know you have been in medellin.    (isayev) yes, while working in latin america as a correspondent for ussr state television and radio i was able to visit medellin once. there was a seminar there on the problems of central america. outwardly it is a very attractive town, very green, situated on a plain, and it is called eternally blossoming.  after several hours in medellin bursts of submachinegun fire rang out suddenly in the streets and i understood then that i was in the center of the cocaine mafia. two clans of bandits were exchanging fire and passers-by literally had to run away from the scene of events as fast as they could.    local colleagues showed me a huge district consisting of luxurious villas where the godfathers of the colombia drug mafia live.  it is difficult to even approach these houses: they are surrounded by barbed wire and there are video cameras and watch towers.  if you decide to go fairly close the guards will open fire withour warning.  i was also able to see a nineteenth-century castle, a rare and extremely beautiful building, a genuine architectural monument.  this castle belongs to one of the heads of the mafia, carlos lehder.    (vedenyapin) yes, yuriy nikolaevich, but how was the medellin cartel formed?  some information on its history, if you could.    (isayev) by rights the founder of the cartel is considered to be carlos enrique lehder, who was able to unite the cocaine mafia of colombia around him at the beginning of the seventies.  a few words about lehder himself: he is a desperate extremist who holds nothing sacred.  he has hundreds of human lives on his conscience.  it is not for nothing that his friends gave him at various times the nick names rum robin hood, the drugs baron, and so on.  carlos lehder is distinguished for his audacity and a restless disposition.  together with him other colombian families have been occupied in this advantageous business, namely the ochoa and escobar families.  at the end of the eighties (as heard) a cocaine war began between these three clans.  later, however, they came to an agreement and the medellin cartel was formed    (vedenyapin) in the press many reports have appeared stating that literally billions of dollars pass through the hands of the cartel. is this true?    (isayev) the cartel's annual income, as the press claims, is $8 billion.  to sketch the scale of cocaine operations i will remind you that in 1984, for example, the cartel bigwigs proposed to the government to clear colombia's entire foreign debt within a week -- and i will remind you that this is $9 billion -- if the government would release mafia members who had been arrested.  not very long ago a west german magazine published a list of the richest people in the world and one of the heads of the medellin cartel -- jorge ochoa -- is by no means last on that list.  i would like to mention another case that characterizes the dimensions of the drug mafia's means. four years ago it came to light that the cartel had taken part in negotiations on buying a whole consignment of surface-to-air missiles, several military helicopters, and other modern weapons.    (vedenyapin) how is this lethal arsenal used?    (isayev) it is completely natural that the cartel could not exist without a complete army of mercenary killers and informants who have penetrated into literally all spheres of the colombian economy, parliament, and the army.  the main target of the mafiosi are progressive politicians, who in one way or another threaten the drugs business.  i will remind you that the same carlos lehder in 1984 organized the assassination of lara bonilla, the colombian minister of justice.  in 1986 guillermo cano, the director of the progressive newspaper el espectador was murdered, and it was basically after this muder that the hunt for lehder began.  in the same year he was arrested and handed over to u.s. justice, which sentenced him to life imprisonment.  it should also be noted that there exists an agreement between the u.s. and colombian governments on the extradition of especially dangerous criminals.    (vedenyapin) if we take the present war -- it cannot be called anything else -- what were its immediate causes? (continued)


Input: two bombs exploded a few minutes ago in the chapinero neighborhood in bogota.  the explosion took place in a branch office of the colmena corporation on 59th street and 9th avenue.  this new terrorist action has left a toll of 1 person wounded and material damage to over 20 stores in the area.    unfortunately, a new terrorist action has taken place in the capital city of the republic.  the first explosion occurred on 59th street, between 13th and 7th avenues.  the second explosion took place at a bank branch on 60th street and 7th avenue.  the first explosion, as you can now see, went off at the conavi (national savings and housing corporation) branch, close to the offices of the social savings fund.  this bank was completely destroyed.  we now see the work being done by the bogota fire department.    an operation is being conducted on 60th street and 7th avenue, where the second bomb exploded.  according to the authorities, no one was hurt in this new terrorist action.

branch office of the colmena corporation

stores

bank branch

two bombs


Input: the colombian police reported that a homemade rocket was launched at the headquarters of the u.s. embassy in bogota this evening.  no injuries or damage were reported.    the rocket partially perforated one of the walls of the embassy, but did not explode.    the already tight security surrounding the embassy since the war against drug traffic was declared was stepped up immediately and traffic and pedestrians were kept out of the area.    this attacked followed the two dynamite explosions that occurred early sunday evening in the northern area of bogota where one person was slightly injured and approximately 30 locals were damaged.    during the belisario betacur administration (1982 - 1986), when several colombian drug traffickers were extradited to the united states, the u.s. embassy was attacked in a similar manner.  no injuries were reported during that attack.  later, however, a bomb exploded in the embassy's parking lot killing a colombian woman who was standing in line to get a visa.    like in other attacks of this kind reported over the past few weeks in bogota and in other cities, no organization has claimed responsibility for this attack; however, the press and the authorities are blaming persons in the service of the drug lords.

persons in the service of the drug lords

headquarters of the u.s. embassy

locals

homemade rocket

dynamite


Input: president george bush has declared his country's war against drug traffickers in a dramatic manner, committing a massive fund of $7.86 billion for the programme, providing increased powers to law-enforcement agencies and even offering substantial financial assistance to other countries, especially in latin america, fighting this menace.  to deal with what he called, "america's toughest domestic test in decades" during his stern address on tuesday, the us leader has given a new boost to the continuing international crusade against narcotics.    this new initiative will be warmly welcomed by the world community, most of all by latin american countries, especially colombia which is fighting a desperate battle against cocaine barons.  the news from bogota is simply frightening.  in the country's long war against drug dealers, nothing like what is happening now -- the merciless killing of security officers and their relatives -- has ever happened before. should colombia lose this war against cocaine barons, drug lords in other latin american countries will flex their muscles too.  to put it plainly, colombia cannot afford to lose this war.  but whether she wins or losses this battle depends on what assistance the united states can provide to this latin american country.    here, colombia faces difficult options.  while she has accepted some logistic support, such as helicopters, from washington, she maintains here opposition to the use of us troops in tackling what she rightly regards as a domestic crisis.  the statement by mr bush on wednesday has so far made no difference to this opposition.  the problem facing bogota is, while an increase in the logistic support from us would help, the government cannot overnight raise the strength of its ani-narcotic security forces.  with the financial assistance offered by the united states, bogota can, of course, buy arms for use against drug barons.  but the battle will still be hard and long.    in fighting this relentless battle against cocaine dealers, colombia has made one perfectly valid point, more than once.  true, it is the responsibility of the government of colombia to win its internal war, with all the help that washington can provide.  but the real battle against drug dealers must be fought within the united states, on the streets of new york, washington, chicago and all other cities.  this is the market for the cocaine barons of colombia or for the drugs produced in the infamous golden triangle in asia.  and it is also within the united states where all the channels of distribution, some controlled by us citizens, thrive under the eyes of the us law enforcement agencies.  the international community may ask if enough has been done to deal with this problem at the us end.    this statement by mr bush suggests that his administration has recognised this basic problem and wants to do something about it.  a major portion of the funding support for the anti-drug war will be used in strengthening the law-enforcement agencies within the united states.  but questions have been raised by members of the us congress whether the president has gone far enough in that direction.  in fact, there is some disappointment that the president's plan has not been "bold enough" either.  while one must admit that the us congressmen are used to making such criticisms against the administration on problem on which they themselves rarely offer any new initiative, one hopes that the us administration will keep its newly-unveiled anti-drug plan under constant scrutiny and ensure that the battle that colombia is being urged to win at all costs is not lost within the united states.


Input: yesterday morning, 27 people were detained and more than 30 stolen cars were seized in various parts of vitoria (espirito santo state) during a huge operation conducted by the federal police department (dpf).  the operation dismantled the "espirito santo-bolivia connection," which consisted of exchanging cars that had been stolen in vitoria for bolivian or colombian cocaine.  the "marseille operation," as the operation was called, involved 70 policement.  the operation was coordinated by the rio de janeiro, sao paulo, and espirito santo dpf.    the operation's main objective -- the arrest of stolen- car dealer joao luiz de souza -- was not achieved, however, because, although having been surrounded by six armed policemen, souza managed to escape.


Input: this is a last-minute report: two more explosions have taken place just a few minutes ago in bogota.  one bomb exploded in western bogota, on boyaca avenue and eldorado avenue, while the other occurred at the telephone company substation in the normandy neighborhood.  a watchman fired shots at the time of the attack, and it is believed that the attackers, who are riding in a green mazda, are wounded.

attackers

telephone company substation

bomb


Input: i believe that many have been preparing themselves during the last years.  whatever course history may take in the future, we know that hundreds upon hundreds have prepared themselves, and we know that in their wisdom the chilean people will not allow such a sad history to be repeated, be whenever it may.  (applause)    we have not sown in the desert or plowed at sea.  these past 16 years represent an experience whose value is virtually impossible to assess.  it is clear that important steps forward have been taken.  it is clear that the plebiscite was unquestionably a step forward.  i remember the day we unveiled allende's bust at the hospital.  i expressed the certainty that the chilean people would vote against pinochet, despite pinochet's resources and the psychological warfare and terrorist methods that were used to intimidate the masses.  it would be impossible for a people to forget the many crimes and monstrosities that have been committed.  it is impossible.    in effect, the plebiscite was a harsh blow for pinochet. i think also that the elections will be an extremely harsh blow, perhaps an irreversible blow, to pinochet.  however, it is a fact that nobody can assert here that pinochet's defeat in the election will be the solution to the problem of the dictatorship in chile.  i am not talking about a revolution.  i think it would be unnecessary.  there would be no sense in talking here about a revolution (word indistinct) a stage above the democratic opening.  we are talking about a democratic opening, but the electoral victory does not entail a solid democratic opening yet.  however, in our opinion it will undoubtedly represent another very important step forward.    pinochet will try to stay on as head of the army and as head of the armed forces.  we could almost say that he will stay on as a sort of sentinel, a power on which the country's destiny would continue to hang for some time to come.  whether he can really fulfill the goals he has set for himself remains to be seen.  however, i am certain he will not give up power without a struggle.  only the chilean people can make this an irreversible struggle to achieve a true and full democratic opening, an opening without all of the limitations that the regime has written into its constitution, which grants him all of these rights -- to be a senator for life, and, if my memory does not fail me, to serve as chief of the army for an additional 8 years. look at his harangues.  his harangues are still aggressive, haughty, and threatening.  we hear warnings.  we hear appeals to the army to remain united, because he will undoubtedly try to perpetuate himself.    i think he will be more and more cornered by the chilean people, because a new stage will begin after the elections.  it is inevitable that the people will participate to a much greater extent.  they will inevitably have a much greater possibility of expressing themselves, of acting, of mobilizing, of thinking about what is essential at the moment and not about shares of power.  i think they have to be...(changes thought) that this is really an admirable test of patriotic and revolutionary feeling for those who are not rightists, for those who are not conservatives, for those who are not even in the center but on the left, and well to the left: to go to the polls and to vote, forgetting which party it was that put forward the candidate for president, or what the candidate's political thinking is, just thinking of chile, only thinking of chile.  (continued)


Input: vice president eduardo duhalde said today that the problem created by drug traffickers in colombia "cannot" occur in argentina because in colombia the drug traffickers practically created a "parallel government with the idea of taking power."    duhalde supports the idea of "sending troops to that country if its leaders request them" because in colombia the drug traffickers not only buy "large enterprises, companies, banks, and offices," but also "have their own politicians, policemen, teachers, and officials."    in an exclusive interview with na duhalde called on society to the "prevent" drug addiction in argentina.    the colombian situation "is a military issue because a real war is taking place," duhalde said. he added that colombia is "divided into two countries: the legal country and the one run by narcotics." he said, "i have no doubt that the legal will win."    according to duhalde what is taking place in colombia "cannot occur in argentina for several decades." he said that he personally supports the idea of "sending troops to colombia if its leaders request them." however, he explained: "that is an issue that has to be resolved by congress."    he pointed out that "drug traffickers are undoubtedly operating in the country but their nationalities are not known." he added that "there is an organization that distributes the drug in argentina."    duhalde said: "what is taking place in colombia is a clear example of what is happening on the continent -- the production and trafficking of drugs." he added: "drugs are not produced in argentina. they are brought from colombia, bolivia, and peru."    he said: "in 1988 in my book 'politicians and drugs' i warned about the criminal activities of drug traffickers closely linked to terrorist organizations such as shining path in peru and m-19 in colombia."    duhalde indicated that "the struggle is against the drug traffickers and their supporters. ideologies are not involved here because, for example, in colombia the traffickers are of the extreme right -- nationalists."    he added that "the drug addiction problem in argentina involves youths from 13 to 20 years of age" and that that is why "prevention measures should be taught in schools, where we should tell the truth about the ills drugs cause."    duhalde, who is going to tour the country to lecture on "how to prevent drug addiction," said that "it is absolutely necessary to include that issue in the educational system, because teachers can become the real force for ending drug addiction."    he revealed that cocaine consumption in the country is coming close to marijuana consumption, which has always been higher." he said that it is necessary to create "very harsh regulations," such as the death penalty, "for people who commit homicides as they are doing in colombia."    regarding the chaotic colombian situation, duhalde said: "drug traffickers are a sort of parallel government that aims to take power. i believe, however, that this will not be possible even if they have their own politicians, policemen, teachers, and officials."    he said: "this is not only a colombian problem; it is a continental problem that no one can solve alone, not even the united states. that is why joint action is necessary to eliminate those traffickers in death."    regarding his recent trip to the united states, duhalde said that his talks "did not include possible u.s. military aid to the countries with drug trafficking problems, because the colombian situation had not yet developed to its current stage."    he called the colombian cartels "mafia gangs" that are "trying to set up a distribution network" for their merchandise which gives them a profit of about $150 billion a year on sales of $500 billion."    duhalde said that "the drug lords buy large enterprises, companies, banks, and offices. they also form relations with politicians and military men." he added that "they have a great ability to corrupt," and "they settle in one place when they are sure they will not be arrested."


Input: for the first time in virtually 10 years of armed conflict, which has claimed almost 70,000 lives, the salvadoran government and guerrillas signed an agreement recently in mexico city. this could mark the beginning of an unprecedented path of peace for that central american country.    after 2 days of talks, farabundo marti national liberation front (fmln) representatives and salvadoran government delegates agreed to establish a permanent dialogue to secure a definite cease-fire.  on 16 and 17 october, the costa rican capital will host the meeting between the negotiating parties.  the event will be attended by two representatives of the catholic church as mediators for the salvadoran episcopal conference.  un and oas representatives will be invited to attend as witnesses.    aside from matters of procedure, it is worthwhile to say that, in addition to being decisive in achieving a solution to the salvadoran internal crisis, the rebels' recent peace initiative was a strong blow to the ruling ultra-rightist sector.  the rebels' willingness to end hostilities and turn the fmln into a political party placed before president alfredo cristiani the decision of continuing the war or opting for peace.    as of that moment, and in view of the importance assigned to the talks by the international media and analysts, international public opinion kept abreast of the dialogue, which is so vital for el salvador and for central america.  for the nationalist republican alliance (arena), the proposals were clearly defined to agree on a total cease-fire before 31 january, to end the repression, to conduct a purge in the army, and to reorganize the judicial and electoral system.    although details were not given on how the issues will be handled, the fact remains that discussions between the two parties will begin in only a month.  it means that the veiled government intention to delay the talks and continue the war, which it cannot win in any event, has failed.  we might even add that the arena government has been on the defensive from the beginning, especially following the tela summit which appealed to the salvadoran authorities to hold dialogue as soon as possible with the rebels.  president cristiani's attempt to secure the forceful demobilization of the guerrillas and his attempt to compare these forces with the nicaraguan counterrevolutionaries also failed.    the seriousness of the salvadoran government's position and its willingness to secure a definitive peace agreement will be in evidence at the next meetings.  meanwhile, the prospects for achieving peace in the country appear to be favorable.


Input: the central american mass media has regarded the intention of salvadoran president alfredo cristiani to continue negotiations with the farabundo marti national liberation front (fmln) within the framework of the existing constitution as a deviation from recent agreements with the rebels.    the intention is outlined in a statement made by the president in repsonse to the rebel proposal to give up the armed struggle and join the political life if the army cleans up its ranks, if repressions are stopped, elections to municipal and legislative bodies are held earlier than 1991 and if the election system is reformed.    according to the salvadoran mass media, this package of proposals will be dominate the fmln talks with the salvadoran government in costa rica in october.    at the same time, the salvadoran police have staged another act of violence in san salvador.  special police units dispersed a demonstration organised by the federation of salvadoran trade unions in protest against the arrest of 12 activists of workers' and peasant organisations.  about 100 demonstrators sheltered in a cathedral. but, the police smashed the cathedral's windows and shot tear gas into the building.  policemen also opened fire and army helicopters circled over the cathedral.    despite the fact that many people inside were wounded, the police did not allow red cross representatives to approach the cathedral, as demonstrators demanded.    about 60 demonstrators were first brutally beaten and then arrested, the san salvadoran mass media said.

special police units

salvadoran police

cathedral


Input: a u.s. department of state spokesman has indicated that washington proposes to continue helping the salvadoran regime until the farabundo marti national liberation front (fmln) combatants surrender their arms.    the timing of this statement is remarkable.  let us recall that less than 1 week ago representatives of the rebel forces and the salvadoran government met in mexico, thus launching a dialogue aimed at a national reconciliation.  the parties agreed to continue these talks in costa rica on 16 and 17 october, however, even the first round of talks in mexico showed that continuing the war was pointless because neither of the parties is capable of military defeating the other.  thus, the only possible victory for all is the victory of common sense.  this can be achieved only through national dialogue. the rebels have correctly made it clear that no preconditions can be set for continuing dialogue, and less still can it be demanded that the fmln combatants should unilaterally surrender their arms.    it should be noted this demand is being made while the salvadoran government is getting considerable military aid from the united states and, according to the department of state spokesman, it has no plans to discontinue this aid.    the salvadoran military is using u.s.-made weapons only against the rebels and not against any foreign enemy.  it is well known that throughout the 10 years of civil war in el salvador, the united states has supplied almost $4 billion worth of military and nonmilitary aid to that country.  thanks to this assistance, 70,000 salvadorans have been killed and over 1 million people have had to leave the country to save their lives.    we can see that additional u.s. military aid will inflict further untold suffering and misfortunes on the salvadoran people.  putting an end to this assistance and to any further interference in salvadoran domestic affairs would help dispel mutual distrust and would create in the country an atmosphere favorable to national dialogue. washington's demands that the rebels should surrender their arms as a precondition for washington to reconsider the issue of military aid to the salvadoran regime represents, as far as i am concerned, unacceptable interference in el salvador's domestic affairs.    undoubtedly, the process of national reconciliation must take place free of any foreign interference whatsoever.  i would like to quote joaquin villalobos, a rebel leader, who told the new york times that the end of u.s. military aid to the salvadoran regime would lead to an immediate end to the war.


Input: a helicopter was damaged, a rebel was killed, and two others were wounded in heavy clashes in the northern sector of the country, the salvadoran army reported today.    the official bulletin reports that a farabundo marti national liberation front (fmln) rebel was killed and two others were wounded today in clashes in dulce nombre de maria, and nueva concepcion, in the northern chalatenango department.    the press committee of the armed forces (coprefa) reported that the guerrilla's antiaircraft fire on 19 september damaged a u.s.- made uh-1h air force helicopter as it was evacuating a wounded soldier near san jose guayabal, 30 km north of san salvador.  the armed clashes took place amid the fmln 10-day unilateral truce decreed by the fmln on 13 september, within the framework of the dialogue held last week in mexico city between the government and the insurgents.    meanwhile, at least three villages in the guazapa hill area, 25 km north of san salvador, today remained without electricity due to the intense clashes which lasted until daybreak.    the armed forces have only admitted that a soldier has been killed in these clashes and that a helicopter has been damaged.  the army claims it has inflicted several casualties on the rebels, but the number of casualties is still unknown.    according to civilian sources in the zone, several helicopters and an airplane on 19 september and today at daybreak bombed alleged rebel positions in the foothills of guazapa hill.


Input: an escalation in terrorist acts affected the capital and resulted in one person wounded and undetermined large property losses.    nine powerful bombs exploded almost simultaneously at 0315 this morning at eight political parties' offices and a branch of the social savings association.    according to authorities, the bombs went off at the political office of social conservative councilman diego pardo copel at no. 1810 on 34th street, the political offices of bogota district councilman ricaurte lozana valderrama at no. 2228 on 37th street and no. 2163 on 34th avenue, the political office of social conservative councilman francisco fanador cabrera located at no. 1824 on 32d avenue, a liberal party office located at no. 1866 on 36th street, a liberal party registration office located at no. 1976 28th avenue, an independent conservative party office at no. 2326 37th street, the political office of miguel santamaria davila at no. 4136 28th avenue, and at a branch of the social savings association at no.  5119 on 86th street.    the detonations shook teusaquillo neighborhood, and according to official reports, the authorities felt compelled to increase security measures.    the wounded person was identified as irma de puentes, who was quickly treated at a clinic and released because she had only a minor wound in the leg.

branch of the social savings association

political office of social conservative councilman diego pardo copel

political offices of bogota district councilman ricaurte lozana valderrama

political office of social conservative councilman francisco fanador cabrera

liberal party office

liberal party registration office

independent conservative party office

political office of miguel santamaria davila

irma de puentes

nine powerful bombs


Input: according to western diplomats, colombian drug traffickers have moved to guatemala in search of new supply routes, bringing instability to a country that is experiencing a wave of violence from various sectors.    the diplomats believe that up to 200 colombians linked to the medellin and cali cartels are now operating in guatemala and that about 500 kg of cocaine pass every week through the country, essentially enroute to the u.s. market.    the increasing drug trafficking activity coincides with a new wave of kidnappings, bombings, and murders in guatemala, awakening fears that the country will return to the violence prevalent at the beginning of the decade, when thousands were killed by death squads during military regimes.    since august, a prominent politician, a well-known banker, and at least five university students have been murdered.  several bombs have exploded in the capital in recent months and students and human rights activists are missing.    "all of this violence cannot be blamed on a (words indistinct), but the increase of drug trafficking is clearly an additional concern."    in addition to the cocaine, which the diplomats say is taken to the united states aboard light planes or in automobiles through mexico and texas, u.s. officials have reported an increase in opium production in guatemala.  according to estimates, the number of hectares planted went from 225 in 1985 to 1,500 this year.    there are insistent rumors that banker ramiro castillo love was murdered outside his house on 25 august because he refused to launder drug money.  there is open talk in the capital about important politicians being linked to drug trafficking.    nevertheless, the diplomats say that there is no evidence to back such speculation and they add that it is very likely that several interests are working to destabilize the country's fragile democracy.    "it seems as if several strings are being pulled at the same time," a diplomat said.    while christian democratic president vinicio cerezo has given guatemala a respite, after decades of military regimes during which it is believed that more than 100,000 people were killed as a result of political violence, it is estimated that approximately 1,200 leftist guerrillas are still fighting in the mountains.    furthermore, the country has faced two coup attempts since democracy was restored in 1986.    the ultra-right-wing, with its ties to the land-owning oligarchy, continues to be a powerful force in the country.  it has blocked a majority of reforms that cerezo has tried to introduce and, according to the general consensus, it has promoted discontent among the armed forces' mid-level officers.    "the ultra-right-wing is undoubtedly behind part of the violence," said a diplomat.  "it could be trying to force the government to overreact or cause the army to get involved."    as if to confirm this, a police arrest warrant has been issued against former presidential candidate lionel sisniega, a noted politician who leans to the right and has been involved in coup attempts since 1954, on charges of heading a group responsible for much of the violence in the country.    diplomats have also pointed to the resurgence of activities by left-wing guerrillas who have been struggling to topple successive governments over the past 2 decades.    "nowadays they are using much more obvious tactics, erecting barricades on highways and occupying small towns near the capital," one diplomat said.    fear that the violence of the seventies will return may also contribute toward a resurgence in the number of illegal immigrants that cross over to mexico.    mexican authorities say that the number of undocumented central americans deported to guatemala has doubled over the past few months.    the diplomats feel that cerezo's government will weather the violence and pass it onto his successor after the presidential elections scheduled for november 1990.    "perhaps the situation is the result of the preparation for elections in guatemala," a diplomat said.  "things will probably worsen next year."


Input: the 13th infantry brigade has reported that following a series of actions by special urban troops, four persons who are apparently involved in the murder of dr luis carlos galan sarmiento have been arrested.  they are also connected to the car bomb attack on the newspaper el espectador, to a series of bogota dynamite attacks, to the freeing of a group of paid assassins, and to the murder of dr teofilo forero castro, his wife, and two other people who were accompanying them.  general ramon eduardo niebles uzcategui, commander of the 13th infantry brigade has said that at least two of those arrested have fully confessed to having taken part in the murder of luis carlos galan sarmiento in soacha, cundinamarca.

four persons

newspaper el espectador

luis carlos galan sarmiento

teofilo forero castro

car bomb


Input: in bogota, orders have been issued to place banks under permament military protection.  last night two bombs exploded at branches of the popular and occidente banks in downtown bogota.  a minor was wounded.    to stop the wave of attacks on banks and financial companies, the defense ministry this morning placed all banking areas in the city under military control.  the soldiers will remain in charge (al frente) of these installations around the clock.

branches of the popular and occidente banks

two bombs


Input: a few minutes ago, defense and public security minister general rafael humberto larios announced that the armed forces are willing to study the possibility of a troop reduction if an agreement is reached with the leftist rebels of the farabundo marti national liberation front.  general larios made these statements to four domestic and international media reporters.  here are excerpts of general larios' statements when he announced that the armed forces would consider a reduction in troops.    (begin recording) (larios) (in progress) ... when it involves damaging the institution -- in this case the armed forces -- we must understand that we were not born on a whim, or by happenstance or accident.  we are a constitutional institution and the constitution has established clear tasks for us.  thus, our institution is authentic and legal.    because of this, the concept or criteria of a reduction in armed forces personnel can be managed if it is based on very particular and specific terms.  if, for example, we reach a political agreement with the terrorist forces for their peaceful return to the country's democratic life, then this would mean the end of the armed conflict. it would also mean that we, as the country's armed forces, would have to study and reconsider the need for the number of troops that we presently have available to confront an imposed situation, an aggression of a marxist-leninist nature.  if an agreement in this sense is reached, we would be willing to analyze the institution's internal situation to determine the amount of human resources needed to comply with our constitutional responsibility.  (end recording)    those were statements by the defense minister at noon.  he announced that the armed forces would be willing to study a reduction in forces if an agreement is reached between the government and rebel commissions at the meeting to be held in san jose, costa rica, on 16 and 17 october.  general larios said that peace will be attained before the established date if the rebels show their good will to end the armed conflict in our country. this was last minute news.  this is the first time a defense minister has made such an announcement in the past 9 years.


Input: the main chiefs of the criminal investigations directorate (dic) of the guatemalan police were suddenly dismissed from their posts, dic director colonel geovanni cardenas reported today.    "we have made this decision in order to carry out a thorough investigation of the police force," cardena said referring to the dismissal of the dic chief and deputy chief, jorge mendez and noe pineda, who will be replaced by rembert larios and manuel pinto.    the sudden dismissal of the main chiefs of the dic took place 3 days after president vinicio cerezo admitted that the security forces are involved in a wave of kidnapping and murder of students, which has shaken the country.    meanwhile, peter h. kooijmans, un special rapporteur on torture cases, today continued his meetings with various groups in the country to familiarize himself with the situation prevailing in guatemala. the official, who will conclude his official visit on friday, has met with president cerezo and representatives of the people's and human rights organizations.


Input: army spokesman colonel luis arturo isaacs has said that possession of war materiel designated for the exclusive use of the military makes lionel sisniega otero a terrorist.  however, col isaac did not confirm whether sisniega was involved in the terrorist attack that have taken place in the past few weeks.    investigations have confirmed that it was lionel sisniega otero wh supplied the grenades to those who are now under arrest. once arrested, sisniega will have to explain to the court why he had the weapons, col isaacs added.    col isaacs confirmed that military intelligence is investigating how and from where sisniega otero obtained the war materiel.    the military spokesman said the possession of war materiel by civilians is prohibited and punishable by law. in this respect, civilian protection system authorities should deepen their investigations and the courts should be stricter.    asked about the surprising and sudden manner in which captain lionel sisniega cordero, son of sisniega otero, was sent out of the country, col isaacs said that it had been done for his personal safety, since any extremist faction could take advantage of the situation to try to harm him.    isaacs confirmed that capt sisniega otero was appointed military attache at the guatemalan embassy in venezuela and that filling this position is part of the soldier's duty.    when asked whether capt sisniega cordero could have supplied the weapons to his father, col isaacs rejected the possibility, adding that every officer knows perfectly well that keeping war materiel at home is forbidden and in violation of armed forces directives.    possession of weapons is a misdemeanor and not a felony, col isaac said.  as an example, he said he has a "galil" which he keeps at his office, although he carries his handgun wherever he goes.    however, he said the possibility is being investigated, although h considers it far-fetched. as a rule the army protects its members, an this is precisely why capt sisniega cordero was given diplomatic status and sent to venezuela.    on another subject, col isaacs said he had no knowledge of a guerrilla attack on the acatenengo detachment, pointing out that the guatemalan national revolutionary unity (urng) makes false claims that do not correspond with reality.    there have been persistent rumors of a recent subversive group attack on the acatenango detachment during which many casualties were inflicted.


Input: another dynamite attack tonight against a branch office of the daily el espectador, west of bogota, has resulted in injuries to a policeman and heavy property damage, it was officially reported.    according to the report, several men riding in an automobile threw a powerful bomb at the morning daily's office, injuring sigifredo arevalo who was guarding the site.    on 2 september the main offices of el espectador were partially destroyed by a powerful bomb.  that attack was attributed to the drug mafias against which the newspaper has courageously set itself.    since that date, the narco-terrorists have carried out 30 dynamite attacks in bogota, the new site of the "war" that began in medellin.    nine political party headquarters, state and private bank offices, business establishments, and private homes have been destroyed by bomb explosions in bogota in the last 48 hours.

several men riding in an automobile

narco-terrorists

drug mafias

branch office of the daily el espectador

main offices of el espectador

political party headquarters

state and private bank offices

business establishments

private homes

sigifredo arevalo

powerful bomb


Input: there was an explosion in southern bogota tonight at one of the bogota telephone company installations.  according to reports just received from the metropolitan police, the building was partially destroyed.    a security guard, who was inside the building, was seriously injured, the official report from the bogota police said.    the bomb explosion took place in olaya neighborhood on the corner of 14th avenue and south 22d street in southern bogota.

one of the bogota telephone company installations

bomb


Input: a distribution agency of the bogota newspaper el espectador and the office of the morning newspaper el siglo were the targets of terrorist attacks tonight which left one policeman slightly injured and caused considerable damage, the authorities have reported.    in the first attack, a 5-kg dynamite charge exploded in a branch of el espectador in the suburb of normandia in the western part of bogota.    a security guard was injured by the shattered glass caused by the impact of the explosion.    although the newspaper office was not seriously damaged, some 10 homes nearby were.    the principal office of el espectador, a newspaper which has maintained a hardline position on drug trafficking and whose director was assassinated in december 1986, was the target of a violent car bomb attack 20 days ago.    in another terrorist action, several men in a vehicle opened fire on the offices of the newspaper el siglo, but nobody was injured.    this is the second attack of this kind against the newspaper in the past few days.  the director of the newspaper is former presidential candidate alvaro gomez.    in view of the increased dynamite attacks since 21 september, when nine political offices and three bank branches were attacked, the army and police have increased vigilance in bogota.

men in a vehicle

distribution agency of the bogota newspaper el espectador

office of the morning newspaper el siglo

principal office of el espectador

political offices

bank branches

5-kg dynamite charge

car bomb


Input: security at the colombian embassy in kingston has been tightened following a bomb threat on monday (18 september), the gleaner newspaper reported.    since monday, there has been an increased presence of uniformed policemen on guard outside and inside the xerox building where the colombian embassy has its offices.    representatives of the colombian embassy were unwilling to talk to cana, but the gleaner reported that minister of national security k.d. knight had confirmed that threats had been made against the embassy and that the necessary precautions had been put in place.  he said there was no need for alarm.  knight said that the embassy had received a threatening note and that the ministry had also received one through a "channel", but gave no details.    since taking office, the manley government has expressed its firm commitment to stamp out drug abuse and drug trafficking.  jamaica is said to be a transshipment point for drugs shipped from some latin american countries to the united states.    the national security minister, however, said that from all indications the action was a "totally internal one" and there was no obvious connections with the drug war between the colombian government and the medellin drug cartel.  "we are looking at the matter with all seriousness, but present indications show that we do not need to be alarmed and additional security measures have already been put in place", he said.

colombian embassy

bomb


Input: in northern bogota, military intelligence members today arrested two israelis who said they are colonel hegejam seter and major eskenasi nisim.  the israelis said they had been contracted by the colombian army, but the military authorities denied any connection with the two men who had bombs, priming tubes, and maps for carrying out attacks. military intelligence is trying to determine the connections and motives of these alleged israeli military officers.


Input: a high-ranking military source close to vinicio cerezo's government suggested today that "the officers of the mountain" (odem), a secret military organization that conducted two failed coups in the last year and a half, may be involved in the wave of terrorist explosions, abductions, and political murders that has been scourging guatemala over the last 2 months.    the military source, who made statements to afp on the condition that his identity was not revealed, said that "those gentlemen (odem) have become the number one enemy" of cerezo's government.    the source added that "the country is again facing certain threats, including that of those gentlemen."    thus far, nobody knows for sure who the members of the organization are, although some media soureces claim they are "very powerful and well organized."    amid the terrorist activity that has been shaking guatemala over the last 2 months, "odem" has been marking its increasing presence through frequent communiques released clandestinely in guatemala city. in the communiques, it launches harsh attacks on the current guatemalan government.    in one of their most recent communiques, which they circulated in guatemala city last week, the rebel military men say: "we will not stop until we change this system of anarchy, corruption, and drug trafficking.    according to an official army spokesman, the seditious militarymen "are officers who were removed from power in the last few years and lost all their leadership in the barracks.  their resentment is being manipulated by political, conservative forces.    "they are manipulated by people of the extreme right, in other words, by political criminals who want to return to power to regain their past privileges." this was stated today by one of the militray officers who linked the the odem to the escalation of terrorism in the country.    the same source admitted that the suspected military terrorists could have "supporters" within the army, but added that "the unity" of the guatemalan armed forces is not threatened by them.    in their frequent communiques, odem identifies itself as "patriots who oppose the communist and corrupt system they (not further identified) want to impose on us through the current policy implemented by the drug trafficking clique in power."


Input: while colombians watched a soccer game between ecuador and paraguay this afternoon, terrorists availed themselves of the opportunity to place four more bombs in various places throughout bogota.  the capital has been the target of six terrorist attacks during the last 24 hours.    the first bomb exploded at a building located on the corner of 7th street and 56th avenue, the area where 50 kg of dynamite exploded 3 months ago in an attempt to kill general miguel alfredo maza. repairs to the building's damaged windows had not been completed and now the first floor, where the avianca airline's offices are located, has been totally destroyed.    a dynamite explosion that occurred 3 blocks away, on 13th street and 56th avenue, has completely destroyed the headquarters of las villas corporation.    the authorities were able to defuse another bomb a short distance away, on 13th street and 57th avenue, but terrorism also reached 1 may avenue and 65th street, where the coldesarrollo (expansion unknown) offices were destroyed by a 2-kg package of dynamite.  the public has denounced today's attacks, which left no casualties.

terrorists

avianca airline's offices

headquarters of las villas corporation

bomb

dynamite


Input: the ecuadoran police dealt a harsh blow to drug trafficking when it captured juan hernando gonzalez and german belandria, two drug traffickers who worked for the colombian cartels.    acting government minister luis felix lopez said the two colombians were arrested in taisha, in the central eastern region, when their airplane violated ecuador's air space.    the airplane, a luxury cessna 210 twin-motor aircraft with a colombian registration, was forced to land by the ecuadoran armed forces.    according to ecuador radio, the aircraft made an emergency landing in the area of buffo in pastaza province.  the radio added that the airplane, named centurion, is white and has the registration number h-k-27-29.    once the drug traffickers were arrested they were brought to quito and deported to colombia, where they will be tried.    acting minister lopez said that the event occurred in taisha at 1000 on 14 september.  the aircraft, which was flying over ecuadoran territory toward an unknown destination, is now in custody of the ecuadoran armed forces at the taisha airport.    the two traffickers had $336,000 in their possession.    lopez said that the ecuadoran government is willing to stop the infiltration of foreigners, particularly those involved in drug trafficking activities.    the arrest of the drug traffickers was coordinated by the ministry of defense and the police.    gonzalez and belandria are presumably linked with drug trafficking activities, given the large amount of money they carried and the fact that they were clandestinely flying over ecuadoran territory.    it is presumed that the aircraft was covering the cali-puerto asis-leticia (colombia) route.


Input: the u.s. senators have made a mistake.  they had a great debate to (words indistinct) a sign showing their willingness to help support the cristiani government.  however, they voted in favor of continuing with the military aid (words indistinct).  they approved aid that will be invested in war, which we believe is not a sign of peace.  there were two positions at the senate: those who advocated that the aid be divided in three packages to continue the delivery of the last portion of the aid to the government amid the dialogue process, and those who wanted to give unconditional aid to cristiani, a position basically defended by christopher dodd.  senator dodd himself said this aid is allegedly to encourage cristiani because he is accomplishing what the united states has been trying to accomplish in the past 10 years.    however, the u.s. senators made a mistake. they voted for the unconditional aid which actually encourages the military men and the hardliners in arena (nationalistic republican alliance) who are blocking the political solution of the conflict and who unreasonably promote the continuation of the war.  this is not a sign for the moderates.  the voting for unconditional aid is interpreted by the fascists, the warmongering, the arena (words indistinct) as a blank check to continue with the adventure of war.  this was the time for u.s. democrats and republicans to support with their voting the regional effort and the salvadoran people's effort to attain peace in el salvador.    the fmln (farabundo marti national liberation front) has taken unmistakable steps that express its willingness to help attain peace. however, it seems the u.s. senators are misinformed about events in el salvador: the increase in human rights violations, the arrests, the bombings, the war parades, and the harassment of the press.  in sum, these are war actions amid a national and international demand for negotiations to attain peace.    the u.s. senators made a mistake.  war actions in el salvador are contrary to the expectations of the salvadoran people and clearly come from the (words indistinct), the arena hardliners.  they also also from the u.s. senators who voted in favor of the unconditional aid. therefore, the u.s. senators gave a sign (words indistinct) are encouraging the war with this blank check to the arena government.


Input: salvadoran vice president francisco merino stated today that the military aspects of the agreements that the government may reductions.  according to the vice president, an effective ceasefire agreement with the fmln must also include the control of violent actions by mass organizations in el salvador. merino made reference to the doubts that certain military command sectors have about the fmln's proposal.  he said that these doubts are present, mainly because the rebels have not kept their public promises concerning military actions in the past.  however, the official commented that, in the long run, a ceasefire agreement would lead to negotiations on important issues, such as military troop reductions, that must be accepted by the armed forces.  let us hear vice president merino:    (begin recording) (merino) we cannot ignore that the fmln and even the previous government have made promises that they never kept.  the armed forces are a permanent institution and they have previously suffered the noncompliance of agreements that had been made by the previous government with the fmln.  now, the lack of trust must be overcome with specific actions in the future.  here, we have something that must be clearly appreciated.  the government is responsible for the dialogue process.  the armed forces are part of the government; they are an institution.  president cristiani is the general commander of the armed forces.  thus, the armed forces' position is also included in president cristiani's statements. (end recording)    according to merino, commentaries that have been made by several military commanders are to be understood as commentaries outside any agreement that the government may reach with the rebels.  on the same subject, the vice president also commented that it is necessary for the guerrillas to change their military behavior, as they have to show that they really want to start a progressive war de-escalation process.    (begin recording) (merino) the effectiveness and totality with which the fmln stops hostilities; ceases its acts of sabotage against electricity, communications, and public transportation facilities; and stops the use of mines will determine the level of the salvadoran army's offensive actions.  this is logical, as when there is no aggression, there can be no action to counter it. (end recording)    merino said that the government proposal includes an agreement for the fmln to drastically decrease street violence in el salvador, such as the violence promoted by mass organizations recently.    (begin recording) (merino) hostilities are not only those actions that include the use of miltary force, such as mines, bombs, and so on.  they also include fmln mass organization actions that are carried out mainly in san salvador and are creating a certain degree of destabilization.  it is a kind of urban terrorism, as these groups are distorting the right to protest or the right of expression.  these organizations are no longer only carrying a message, but have started to destroy and damage private property and public transportation, and threaten the citizens' integrity.  thus, you see here a direct relationship which demands that the fmln military actions and ceasefire must include urban actions, as well.  a ceasefire must also include that the fmln will not carry out offensive actions or actions by facade groups in the cities that promote street disorder.  (end recording)    during president cristiani's 15-day-absence, merino reported that he will work on the proposal that the government will present to the fmln in san jose, costa rica on 16 october, with an advisory commission formed by military officers, private businessmen, intellectuals, and political party leaders.


Input: guatemalan foreign minister mario palencia was asked today about the case of the guatemalans who travelled to spain.    (begin recording) (palencia) i have no information, they did not (word indistinct) the foreign ministry. i have received no official information concerning those people.    (reporter) do you have any official information concerning the three students who left for panama?    (palencia) no, i have not been informed about them either.    (reporter) do you believe they left through the normal channels?    (palencia) the foreign ministry has not carried out any special procedure. (end recording)    the departure of two student leaders who said they had been subjected to persecution and threats came less than 2 weeks after the death of four university students who had been kidnapped, and coincided with the presence in guatemala of un observer peter kooijmans, a specialist in torture analysis, who may remain in the country for 6 days.    foreign minister mario palencia admitted that the escalation of violence in guatemala over the past few weeks, related situations such as the flight of guatemalans to other countries, and the reestablishment of the u.s. government travel advisory, have affected guatemala's international image.    nevertheless, the foreign minister said that the circumstances that led to the atmosphere of unrest in the country have normalized somewhat.


Input: just 10 days after a dialogue was held in mexico, the situation has become more tense in view of the governments and armed force's attitude.  the general command of the fmln (farabundo marti national liberation front) hereby announces the following:    1.  the fmln has shown its willingness and flexibility by carrying out unilateral actions, and presenting a realitistic peace proposal that covers the aspirations of the entire nation in ending the conflict in a short period of time.    2.  on the contrary, the government and the armed forces have not made any efforts, but rather they have hardened their stands and carried out repressive actions.  in the last few days, while we offered a unilateral truce, the government and the armed forces have conducted provoking war actions; launched military operations in the areas under guerrilla control; bombed civilian populations in morazan, chalatenango, and guazapa; maintained a military seige on the university and trade union buildings; and evicted peasants and tenants from their lands.  the government and the armed forces have been unleashing a merciless repression against the organization of the people, trade unions, peasants, religious groups, and students.  the nation has been shocked to hear that over 400 people were captured in the last month.    dozens of people are missing or dead.  the fascist brutal government is not ashamed to exhibit undignified pictures of trade union leaders -- who show signs of having been tortured -- testifying before judges.  the government publicly shows the horror of women who have been raped in the prisons of the national police, the outrages committed against the baptist church, and the beatings and threats against newsmen.  the government exhibits terrifying photographs in the newspapers of workers tied by their thumbs, and blindfolded in the most repulsive styles of the death squads.    we have reached such a state of provocation that vice president francisco merino is trying to humiliate publicly the people's sectors by calling them trash.  the government has not even tried to solve the case of the war handicapped; there are 45 of them occupying the metropolitan cathedral.  the only answer to their demands for medical attention abroad is the riot policemen that have been sent to threaten attacking (words indistinct) to achieve the freedom of 11 innocent youths who were captured at a local clinic.  to make matters worse, the u.s. congress has approved sending $90 million to the fascist government to continue financing the war and repression.    3.  this state of repression and this mockery to the legitimate aspirations of the people for peace is unacceptable.  the salvadoran people say: no more captures, torture, murders, bombings, sieges, evictions, or humiliation!    to our friends and enemies, we say that just like we remain flexible and open for negotiations, we will likewise be willing, able, and ready to accompany the people in their struggle and strongly carry the flag of democracy and peace to advance until we have nailed that flag into the hearts of those who only want war.    this general command hereby orders all our groups, fighters, militia members, and collaborators to defend with honor and strength and with their weapons the flag of democracy and peace that the entire nation demands.    we hereby notify that today, 26 september 1989, our forces have begun a national maneuver that we call "stop the repression, everyone for the achievement of democracy and peace." our maneuver calls for attacking several garrisons and strategic positions of the army in the four regions of the country.  we will continue reporting on the development of the actions in the four war fronts in a forthcoming communique.    against repression, everyone for achieving democracy and peace.

government

armed forces


Input: the salvadoran guerrillas accused the government of not wanting to negotiate the end of the war and increasing the "repression" against workers.    in a letter disclosed on monday, 25 september, and sent to the united nations, the oas, and the foreign ministries of europe and the americas, the rebels say that salvadoran president alfredo cristiani and other government authorities "are maintaining their inflexibility, using the constitution as an excuse."    the farabundo marti national liberation front (fmln) is warning that there are two stances in the face of the dialogue: one is of "flexibility and goodwill," and the other, of "inflexibility and provocation that uses the dialogue to escalate the war and repression."    in its letter, the fmln gave a rundown of its bids to "promote a dialogue - negotiation" with the government, mentioning its unilateral truce and decision to stop sabotaging the electricity and telephone networks and using mines.    in addition, the group noted it submitted a proposal "that is very flexible in achieving peace," and that considers the end of hostilities and the possibility that the rebels may become a political party.    however, the rebels stated the government has increased human rights "violations," and is keeping a circle around the university campus and trade unions, yet it wants dilatory talks without committments.    the fmln said the approval by the u.s. senate of military aid to el salvador, upping it from $85 to $90 million, "encourages the most hard line sector of the current salvadoran regime."    according to the guerrillas, the military aid "constitutes a hard blow against the possibility of finding a negotiated political solution to the conflict," that in 9 years has claimed over 70,000 lives.    government and fmln delegations met from 13 to 15 september in mexico and pledged to seek a political solution to that country's strife.    the two delegations agreed to continue the talks on 16 and 17 october in san jose to analyze the possibility of a cease-fire and establish the steps to end the war.    diverse local sectors, which are demanding a political solution to the war, have received the agreements with a great deal of optimism.    however, some leaders of rightist nationalist republican alliance (arena) and some military chiefs have questioned the fmln's offers.


Input: the m-19 guerrilla group (19 april movement), which is about to sign a peace agreement with the government, today proposed opening a dialogue with the narcotics traffickers.  according to the intelligence services, one of the drug lords is surrounded.    meanwhile, a powerful bomb exploded in a hotel in the cartagena de indias tourist center, on the caribbean, killing two persons.  it is believed the bomb was placed by groups linked to narcotics traffickers.    the m-19 proposed pardoning those narcotics traffickers who dismantle their businesses and become law-abiding.    in radio statements made today, m-19 commander carlos pizarro leongomez said that the guerrilla organization has made contact with the narcotics traffickers, who have reportedly said they are willing to join a general peace plan.    the proposal was signed by the hierarchy of the m-19 -- founded in 1974 and one of the most notorious colombian guerrilla groups -- in their camp in santo domingo, some 400 km southwest of bogota.    in exchange for dismantling the laboratories and the armed groups, the m-19 proposed not extraditing the alleged narcotics traffickers to the united states.    the m-19 proposal has taken by surprise the government of virgilio barco, inasmuch as it had voiced its determination not to hold any dialogue with the narcotics traffickers, a judicial source has told reuter.    "the issue of the dialogue is becoming very serious and i believe that the government will have to take it seriously a war always concludes with a peace agreement," one of the advisers of former justice minister monica de greiff said.    the m-19 proposal, which includes a plan so the narcotics traffickers themselves will finance a campaign against drug consumption, has not been accepted yet by the government.    in an official communique, it was stressed that the issue of the dialogue with the narcotics traffickers will not form part of the peace agreement reached with the m-19.    relations between the colombian guerrilla groups and the narcotics traffickers have had their ups and downs throughout the years.    at first, some armed groups gave protection to the narcotics traffickers in exchange for money for purchasing weapons.  however, later, when they tried to take over part of the business, they were harshly fought by the paramilitary bands of the extreme right financed with drug money.    pizarro said today that the topic will not affect the signing of the agreement, which has been postponed since 24 september for "last-minute minor difficulties."    he also pointed out that the weapons of the organization, which has over 600 militants, will not be turned over to the army, but to an international organization, probably the red cross.    however, while the m-19 -- which according to the peace plan should be demobilized at the end of the year -- is asking for a dialogue with the narcotics traffickers, the intelligence services announced that gonzalo rodriguez gacha, also known as "el mexicano," is surrounded and will be imminently captured.    a spokesman for the administrative department of security (das) has told reuter: "we believe we will be capturing important people within the next few days, although we do not know if rodriguez gacha will also be captured."    rodriguez gacha and pablo escobar are considered the capos of the fearful medellin cartel, a narcotics organization which together with its twin organization in cali is charged with exporting 80 percent of the cocaine consumed in the united states.    the colombian government has offered a 100-million-pesos reward ($250,000) to any citizen providing information on the whereabouts of the two most-wanted men in colombia.    on 25 september, a judge ordered the arrested of freddy rodriguez celades, son of "el mexicano," for illegal pssession of firearms.    national police chief general miguel gomez padilla recently announced that the two narcotics traffickers are in colombian territory, thus denying rumors to the effect they were setting up bases in panama or brazil.

groups linked to narcotics traffickers

hotel in the cartagena de indias tourist center

powerful bomb


Input: it has been reported that the airstrip in chilanga, 5 km north of the city of san francisco de la gotera, was almost completely destroyed. several other positions inside the city were also attacked. until now, no government or rebel casualties have been reported. the highway leading from san francisco gotera to san miguel was mined by the rebels. traffic along this highway has ceased until now.    in la union, the fmln (farabundo marti national liberation front) rebels said that troops of the fonseca battalion of the 3rd detachment of la union were attacked in san sebastian near santa rosa de lima. the rebels claim they captured 3 soldiers. on the outskirts of san francisco gotera, the rebels claim they captured 2 soldiers of the 4th detachment of san francisco gotera.    in other incidents, it was reported that since 1600 local time on 25 september there have been fierce clashes in valle nuevo near el paraiso in chalatenango. until now official sources have not reported any casualties.    in el papayal, civilian sources report that there have been no incidents in this government telephone exchange and microwave station.    clashes continued this morning between troops of the 3rd and 6th infantry brigades in usulutan. patrols are chasing the rebels.    it was also reported that in ciudad barrios in the department of san miguel the rebels placed some roadblocks and disturbed military positions. no casualties have been reported in these incidents.    it was reported that in yolaiquin the rebels also attacked troops of the 4th detachment of gotera. yolaiquin is in morazan department.    in moncagua, also in san miguel, roadblocks were placed on the highway to chapeltique. no casualties were reported in these incidents.    the national guard post in sesori, north of san miguel, was also attacked.  no casualites were reported in this incident.    in another incident in cuscatlan , it was reported that troops of the 5th detachment guarding the bridge at las guaras were attacked early this morning by the rebels. no official bulletin has been issued by the 5th detachment.    the town of san bartolome perulapia was attacked. no additional details are known.    until now, the armed forces press committee, coprefa, has only reported four soldiers wounded in the san fracisco gotera area. it admits that the airstrip in chilanga was damaged. no casualties have been reported anywhere else in the country were fierce clashes took place this morning starting around 0200, and which are continuing now in certain areas.    coprefa reports the death of 14 guerillas near tejutla. according to the official bulletin, 14 guerrillas were killed in clashes with troops of the 4th infantry brigade in chalatenango. the bulletin also reports that important military equipment was seized from the fmln guerrillas.

rebels

airstrip

highway leading from san francisco gotera to san miguel


Input: according to the pact signed today, a bilateral commission that will be created soon will discuss the manner in which the guerrilla group will be demobilized.    m-19 commander carlos pizarro said today that the organization, which has a little more than 600 members, will not turn in its weapons to the army, but to an international organization, possibly the red cross.    however, while the m-19 is calling for a dialogue with the drug traffickers, intelligence services have announced that gonzalo rodriguez gacha, alias "el mejicano," has been surrounded and will soon be captured.    a spokesman for the administrative security department, the colombian intelligence organization, told reuter: "we believe that important arrests will be made in the next few days, although we do not know if we will catch rodriguez gacha."    rodriguez gacha and pablo escobar are considered to be the heads of the fearsome medellin cartel, an organization of drug traffickers that, along with its twin organization in cali, is accused of supplying 80 percent of the cocaine that is consumed in the united states.    the colombian government has offered a reward of 100 million pesos ($250,000) to any citizen who provides information on the whereabouts of the two most wanted men in colombia.    yesterday, a judge issued a warrant for the arrest of freddy rodriguez celades, son of "el mejicano," for the illegal possession of weapons.    in recent statements to the press, general miguel gomez padilla, chief of the national police, said that both drug traffickers are in colombian territory, thus denying reports that they had reportedly moved their bases of operation to panama or brazil.    finally, in cartagena de indias, a tourist center on the caribbean coast, a powerful bomb exploded in a hotel, killing two people.    the attack was attributed to the drug traffickers, within the framework of an escalation of violence in which over 70 bombs have exploded in a little over 1 month.

drug traffickers

hotel

powerful bomb


Input: in a new action attributed to the drug trafficking rings operating in bogota, a medium-sized bomb partially destroyed a secondary school located in a populous southern bogota neighborhood tonight.    it was reported that the explosion severely damaged the san ignacio de loyola school, located a short distance from a police station.    authorities said the explosion caused no casualties, although it resulted in losses amounting to millions.    the dynamite attack, the 41st in bogota during this month, occurred only a few hours after another explosion destroyed one store of a supermarket chain.    numerous threats saying that bombs had been planted in schools have been reported in the "war" that the drug cartels have declared in reprisal for the government's intense offensive against them.

drug trafficking rings

san ignacio de loyola school

store of a supermarket chain

medium-sized bomb


Input: some of the arrested persons are extraditable.  the people have risen up against terrorism, and the terrorists cannot hide forever.    third, much international support for colombia, its democracy, its people, and its government has been mobilized.  colombia is no longer seen as a country of drug traffickers, something it has never been and never will be.    now everyone understands that we are a country of brave people where the majority are honest and hard-working.  the world has acknowledged and praised democracy in colombia, the victim of a problem it has not created.    fourth, investigations into the crimes committed by narcoterrorists continue giving positive results.  more than 25 bands of assassins have been dismantled, and their members have been dispersed.  two of the people who participated in the assassination of luis carlos galan have confessed to the crime.  the department of administrative security has identified 110 persons who form part of a narcoterrorist network.  the most important assassinations have been cleared up.    fifth, the authorities have been able to check the terrorists' counteroffensive, although it cannot be denied that the criminals are still capable of causing much damage.  this has been made evident by the explosives they have placed, the people who have died and who have been injured, and the fires they have produced.    the authorities have been able to frustrate many attacks. criminals who have carried out attacks have been captured.  for example, in medellin, 35 criminals who were coordinating with the terrorist national liberation army have been captured.    sixth, drug trafficking capabilities have decreased.  now there is much less cocaine in the united states and in other world markets. it is important to emphasize the fact that it is up to the united states and the european countries to increase their activities to diminish and control drug consumption.  if there were no addicts in those countries, there would be no drug trafficking.    this is not the only responsibility of the other countries involved in the war against drug trafficking.  if drug traffickers were unable to use their money through international banks and investment opportunities that other countries offer, the incentives for the business would vanish.    if the chemical products that are necessary to process cocaine did not arrive in our country from europe and the united states, the drug could not be produced.    if the international arms market were under control, the terrorists would not have been able to get the arms they have used to spill so much blood in colombia.  (continued)

two of the people

luis carlos galan


Input: national legislative assembly president commander carlos nunez has stated that the 39 former gn (national guard) members now in jail will not be released until the counterrevolutionary forces in honduras are demobilized.  commander nunez demanded that the contras release more than 1,000 nicaraguans they have kidnapped and stop murdering civilians.  he said that the 39 former gn members will be released when the counterrevolution is demobilized in honduras, as was agreed with the 21 nicaraguan political parties.    (begin recording) (nunez) the 39 former somozist army members, who are so strongly defended by more than one representative who allege quote humanitarian unquote reasons, are going to stay in prison and will not be included in the list (pardon list that includes 457 prisoners approved by the nicaragua legislative assembly on 26 september).  likewise, the rest of the contra prisoners, who are not on this list, will also remain in prison.  they will remain there until we have have clear, definite indications from the u.s. government and the mercenaries that they are going to comply with agreements.  they will stay in prison until we can clearly see the demobilization of the contras and their willingness to enter into the country's political activity.  we are not going to allow the word reconciliation to be changed into demagoguery.  this word has real meaning.  we are willing to comply with agreements and have evidenced our willingness with gestures of generosity.  we are not asking the contras to be generous.  we are asking the contras to comply with the tela agreements signed in honduras.  we are also asking for compliance with the agreements signed with the political parties during the national dialogue, that the persons who have been kidanapped by the contras be returned, and that they stop their attacks and murders that even now -- although some politicians are blind to this -- continue. (end recording)


Input: in a first ruling, criminal judge 62 of rionegro municipality, northwestern antioquia department, has acquitted drug traffickers pablo escobar gaviria and gonzalo rodriguez gacha of charges of masterminding the murder of attorney general carlos mauro hoyos and the kidnapping of bogota city mayor andres pastrana.    the ruling was issued on the night of 25 september and revealed on 26 september.    hoyos was kidnapped on 25 january 1988 and was found dead 8 hours later near the medellin airport.  pastrana was kidnapped on 22 january 1988 but was rescued by the army 3 days later.    the "extraditables" claimed credit at the time for these two actions.    in his first ruling, judge francisco cardenas said "there is not sufficient grounds or evidence" for linking escobar gaviria and rodriguez gacha, the main chieftains of the medellin drug cartel, to the crimes.  the extradition of the drugpins has been requested by the u.s. government.    the prosecutor in the case has appealed judge cardenas' ruling before the superior tribunal of medellin, which will soon issue a pronouncement on the validity of the court ruling.

pablo escobar gaviria

gonzalo rodriguez gacha

the "extraditables"

medellin drug cartel

carlos mauro hoyos

andres pastrana


Input: it was reported in this capital today that heavily armed men kidnapped three europeans in tecun uman last night.    those who were kidnapped are jose maria martinez, 55, from spain; roberto lizardi, 52, from france; and luis rossi, 35, from italy.    the report on the kidnappings was made by edgar and lesbia leal, owners of the don jose hotel located on the border with mexico.    according to the reports, the heavily armed and unidentified individuals broke into the hotel lobby where the three europeans were and took them away to an unknown destination.    the hotel owners said they know nothing of the reason for the triple kidnapping or the identities of the perpetrators.

heavily armed and unidentified individuals

jose maria martinez

roberto lizardi

luis rossi


Input: during the past few hours colombian secret police have arrested 30 criminals who belong to a band of hired assassins operating in the conflictive middle magdalena area of the country's central region.    an official report from the department of administrative security (das) -- the secret intelligence agency that advises colombian president virgilio barco -- says that 15 of those arrested are implicated in murders.    in addition, the das managed to dismantle four groups of hired assassins known as "the cockroaches, "the plateaus," "the smudged ones," and "death to kidnappers" (mas).    meanwhile, the army has reported that nine privately-owned, light aircraft used in drug trafficking were confiscated during various operations conducted this week.  the aircraft have been delivered to the national drug council and their owners are under investigation.    the two operations are part of the official offensive against drug trafficking maintained by barco's government since 18 august.


Input: bolivian president jaime paz zamora has stated that bolivia needs adequate assistance to solve its problems.  he added that bolivia needs a leader like noriega to attract international attention.    in a news conference with u.s. reporters, president paz yesterday answered several questions about the struggle against drug trafficking and the eradication of coca crops. the bolivian president stressed the efforts made by the bolivian people to overcome hyperinflation of more than 27,000 percent. he said that inflation is predicted to reach 12 percent during his administration.    paz zamora stated that the highly industrialized countries must pay attention to nations such as bolivia that face difficult economic situations and at the same time struggle against drug trafficking. he criticized the behavior of world powers, and he said that such behavior must be changed.    (begin recording) (paz zamora) we are sick and tired of the way industrialized countries and their people are behaving, maintaining certain sadomasochistic relations with the underdeveloped nations. (end recording)    the bolivian president tried to make the u.s. press understand the indifference that certain countries, namely the economic powers, show toward bolivia.    to explain his remarks, he said that perhaps a general should assume power, and military forces should besiege the u.s. embassy, and a few hundred people should be murdered to get the attention of the world.    paz zamora demanded greater understanding from the international organizations that impose extremely difficult conditions for achieving economic stability. does a war kill more people than an economic adjustment program, the bolivian president asked. he invited the u.s. reporters to review the statistics on the number of people killed in the salvadoran war and the number of people who died in bolivia because of the economic-financial adjustments.    president paz has stated that the fact that bolivia is a coca- producing country is directly related to the u.s. treatment of the matter. he said that the struggle against drug trafficking demands action to control consumption. he added that bolivia is not receiving the necessary resources to deal with the social problems resulting from the reduction of coca production.    (begin recording) (paz) an antinarcotics program for bolivia similar to that implemented in colombia would be a great mistake (end recording).    he demanded real alternatives for work and production for bolivian peasants. he said that until this is achieved, the mistakes of the past will be repeated.


Input: we are contributing to the effort to stop fascism and bring about a genuine democracy.  the basis for a negotiation in el salvador should be that democracy precedes peace.  our communique states that we are searching for democracy and peace.  we mention them in that order because if we were to seek peace first, as the government wants, we would have the peace of death.    (reporter) you referred to combatants and the people's movement. however, in the past few days other people have been in the forefront of the struggle against the fascist regime; that is, the fmln maimed. what is your opinion about their plight and attitude?    (villalobos) the struggle of the people's movement involving individuals who wage important battles without weapons is quite admirable.  i believe that the struggle of the war maimed is twice as admirable.  they are not only waging a battle without weapons, but with their mutilated bodies.    the people's movement is experiencing very trying moments.  it is facing repression.  this shows the regime as it really is.  the maimed have also dealt a very important blow: they have exposed the brutality and stupidity of army leaders who set up antiriot cordons, surrounded the cathedral, and threatened people who are unable to walk or are missing a limb (words indistinct).  it is really a heroic struggle much like the ones that many maimed comrades have waged from their jails.  they have opened the way for other comrades to leave the country.    i think this is to be added to the fact that all of the people's forces who have taken up the banner of peace and democracy, even the war-disabled, have contributed to our effort with their sacrifice.


Input: it was reported today in bogota that the colombian government has rejected an appeal presented by beatriz rodriguez zuniga's lawyer, who wanted her arrest for extradition purposes cancelled.  rodriguez zuniga is said to be an important medellin cartel connection.    rodriguez zuniga was arrested several weeks ago in cartagena and, with the executive branch's consent, could be the second person extradited to the united states, part of the government's offensive against the drug mafias that started a month and a half ago.    on 6 september the alleged "financial head" of the medellin cartel, eduardo martinez romero, was sent to the united states after washington presented documentation to have him tried in an atlanta court.    drug enforcement administartion investigations report that martinez romero was a key person in the "washing" of approximately $1.2 billion the mafia obtained from the cocaine business.    the drug "barons" have publicly threatened to murder 10 judges for each colombian exradited to another country.    since martinez romero was sent to atlanta there have been hundreds of dynamite attacks in different colombian cities.  these attacks are the cocaine cartels' direct response to the government's offensive against them.

drug "barons"


Input: what is the truth over the signing of the decrees?  were they signed only after the attack on luis carlos galan?    (de greiff) the decrees were being studied since noon on the day of his death.  it had been a very tough week.  the magistrate and the colonel had been murdered; galan was murdered that evening.  there was much discussion over the drafts, but i believe that the attack on galan hurried things up.    in the case of the extradition decree, we were all aware that it was not a popular measure.  philosophically, most ministers did not like the idea of colombians being tried abroad.  there was much legal discussion, not only to do with this case, but also over the new measures concerning raids, seizures, and arrests.    however, finally there was a great determination to give the country answers.    (reporter) the country's current problems have much to do with the extradition decree.    (de greiff) we must not forget that these measures are not against a group of people, but against violence.  extradition has been a very tough measure for everyone.  the inconveniences and the legality of this decree, as well as the possible reactions against it, were discussed a great deal.  it can be that part of the violence generated has been due to the extradition decree.    (reporter) is it possible to begin a dialogue with the drug traffickers as a way of ending the country's violence?    (de greiff) the government said no to the dialogue, but we must wait and see how events develop.  i do not believe that a government's decision can be strict, because situations do change.  the president has said that dialogue is impossible.  you never know, things may change in the future.    anyway, in colombia practically no wars have ended, because in nearly all wars an agreement was reached.    (reporter) but if colombia holds a dialogue, the world's doors will probably close on colombia.    (de greiff) look, in the united states i was asked about the extradition and i said it was not popular, that it was not going to solve the drug trafficking problem.  it is not the government's stance, but if it is decided to hold a dialogue, then this would be a sovereign colombian decision.  obviously, if the position changes a bad impression will be given.    the government has been very clear that it has not lost its sovereignty.    (reporter) the internatinal press feels a little disappointed with your resignation.  one must not forget that you became a symbol for the foreign journalists when you traveled to washington.    (de greiff) i held a news conference on 22 september and i told them that my resignation was not monica de greiff's position, but the government's.  i told them i was staying in the country, and i explained to them that the ministers here remain at their posts until the president decides otherwise.  however, they did not understand why.    (reporter) what will monica de greiff do?    (de greiff) i am going to rest for a few days and then return.  i am going to help ernesto samper's campaign.  i also believe that working for private enterprise will be a good opportunity.    (reporter) what post has given you the greatest satisfaction?    (de greiff) when i was at the ministry of mines and energy. it was fascinating.  i had two very good bosses: guillermo perry and oscar mejia.  i worked in delightful harmony with a group of good people.  i believe that mining and hydrocarbons is the sector that has enjoyed the greatest progress under this government.    (reporter) what is your final feeling upon leaving the ministry?    (de greiff) every cloud has a silver lining.  i have been spared from many boring things.  i have not had to sign extradition orders or things like that.  without realizing it, i have been spared of tiring things.

luis carlos galan


Input: the salvadoran government will offer a "total amnesty" to the farabundo marti national liberation front (fmln).  in exchange, it will ask the insurgents to lay down their weapons and join civilian life, justice minister oscar santamaria announced today.    in statements to a local television station, santamaria said the proposal will be officially presented to the rebel leaders during the second round of the dialogue, which will be held 16 - 17 october in san jose, costa rica.    santamaria, who is the alfredo cristiani government dialogue commission spokesman, met for the first time with the fmln leaders on 13, 14, and 15 september in mexico city.    on 21 september, defense minister general humberto larios, for the first time in the 9 years of war, said that reducing the number of army troops, as demanded by the rebels, is feasible.  he said the government is drafting a document on the cease-fire that it will present at the costa rica meeting.    during the mexico meeting the parties in conflict agreed to hold meetings to try to reach an agreement on the war, which has resulted in 70,000 deaths over a 9-year period.    despite the dialogue, the guerrillas this week launched one of the most violent military campaigns yet, which even affected san salvador. this guerrilla campaign is in response to "increasing repression and assassinations" of labor leaders.    the only issue to be discussed at the costa rica meeting will be the cease-fire.  the two parties have expressed confidence that an agreement will be reached before the end of this year.    in addition to the reduction in the number of army troops, the rebels proposed in mexico that the judicial branch be reorganized and that a prosecutor (fiscal) be appointed as a result of a consensus between the government and the political parties.  in response to a question about the intensification of the armed struggle by the rebels, santamaria said: "we are at a stage where the tension level is declining.  we have found points of agreement, and we and will honor them."


Input: we report to you the following considerations related to the present situation in the search for a just and lasting peace in el salvador.    1.  we note with deep concern that there has been an alarming increase in human rights and humanitarian war norms violations by the government and the armed forces.  these violations can be observed in the repression of demonstrations, tortures, murders, arrests -- more than 400 in the past month -- disapearances, and in the government's refusal to allow maimed farabundo marti national liberation front (fmln) members to leave the country to get medical attention.  this norm is stipulated in the geneva convention, and this is an agreement that has been signed by the salvadoran government.  this situation has been clearly demonstrated by the resolution issued by the subcommission (30-second break in reception) period in august 1989. mr cristiani said this resolution was not truthful.    2. government spokesmen and mr cristiani himself have repeatedly stated that the achievement of peace depends on the fmln's halting hostilities.  this presents a unilateral plan that has not been agreed upon politically, militarily, or operationally.    in contrast to these statements, when the fmln unilaterally declared a truce recently, mr cristiani, officials in his administration, and military commanders stated that these fmln measures were propagandistic and that the truce was not respected. their arguments were attempts to justify the government's breaking of the truce.    these events give us additional grounds for stating that a definite and unconditional halt to hostilities is unrealistic and unfeasible. (continued)


Input: recent expressions of solidarity and support for colombia have greatly encouraged us in these trying times.  we are now living in different times, but the situation is no less critical than the one that led to the emergence of the united nations.    a new world war has been declared by an aggressor that does not respect the traditional rules of war or national sovereignty.  the aggressor is a pernicious international criminal organization that has great power and resources and that is nourished by illegal revenues generated by drug trafficking.    as the un secretary general recently said, and i quote: the illegal use of and trafficking in drugs today is seen as a social plague that affects both industrialized and developing countries.  although efforts to fight this scourge have increased in recent years, statistics show that the monetary value of drug trafficking is greater than that of the international oil trade and is only surpassed by arms trafficking.  it is certainly worrisome to see that mankind is so deeply involved in trafficking degradation and death.  end of the secretary general's statement.    the members of these criminal cartels were born in various countries, and many of their leaders are believed to be colombians. although it is true that some of them may have been born in my country, i must clarify that they are colombians in name only.  they are really just international fugitives who have no home.  colombia is not their homeland! (applause)    i am also here at the united nations to present to you the crude reality of this war against drug trafficking.  colombia is on the frontline of this battle.  for us it is not a war of words.  many colombians have died because of their firm commitment against drug trafficking.  approximately 1 month ago, luis carlos galan, one of the most prestigious political leaders in my country, was assassinated. his death has consolidated even more the nation's will and has drawn the world's attention to the problem.  however, many colombians have died over the years -- as he did -- as victim of drug trafficking. that long list includes 12 magistrates of the supreme court, an attorney general, and a justice minister.  prominent congressmen, judges, mayors, journalists, thousands of soldiers, policemen, and colombian citizens have given their lives for democracy.    last month, after announcing exceptional measures against drug trafficking, which were decreed by the government in accordance with the state of siege, drug traffickers have continued and intensified their terrorist actions. (continued)

luis carlos galan


Input: police sources reported today that a spaniard, a frenchman, and an italian, kidnapped in tecun uman on 27 september, have been released within the past few hours.    spaniard jose maria martinez, frenchman roberto lisandy, and italian dino rossy, who were staying at a tecun uman hotel, were kidnapped by armed men who took them to an unknown place.    after they were released, the three europeans went to the regional police station and gave a full account of their experience with the kidnappers.    martinez told the police that the kidnappers held them in a dark room and questioned them.    the three men were taken to a medical center after their release and, according to the medical report, suffered no wounds.    officials reported that martinez and lisandy do business in tecun uman and have been living there for the past 9 months.  rossy was enjoying his vacation here, when he was kidnapped.    according to the police, the persons who kidnapped the three men got them drunk before releasing them so that they would lose track of time and be unable to identify where they had been held captive.

armed men

jose maria martinez

roberto lisandy

dino rossy