Input: 1. given the state of siege that has prevailed in the country since 11 november, and according to the national constitution, the civilian population is required to cooperate with the armed forces and the various security corps when necessary -- making sure this cooperation involves army members or duly authorized judicial officials.    2. upon learning that armed terrorists are operating near your areas of residence, you must immediately call telephone number 123 or notify the nearest military post.    3. the population must remain calm and go to work, while at the same time making sure that you are in your respective residences when the curfew goes into effect at 1800.    4. the salvadoran population must remain in their residences and stay off the streets, even upon hearing that an antisubversive operation is taking place nearby -- this is particularly necessary for minors.    5.  the salvadoran population engaged in commercial activities, particularly the sale of staples, must remember that there is a decree that forbids marking up prices, since this would be an antipatriotic action during these crucial times for the country.    6.  the salvadoran population must remain alert to the information being issued by the government and the armed forces, because it will be provided on a regular basis and according to the truth.  the civilian population can also rest assured that the salvadoran armed forces are efficiently and professionally controlling the groups of fmln (farabundo marti national liberation front) terrorist criminals. therefore, the population must remain calm and reject the disinformation being issued by the national and international subversion.


Input: the salvadoran government denounces before the international community the meddling of the sandinist government in the act of aggression against the salvadoran people at the hands of fmln (farabundo marti national liberation front) terrorist groups.  in a speech on 12 november, nicaraguan president daniel ortega openly made irresponsible statements regarding developments in el salvador which are totally removed from reality.  president ortega said that the salvadoran government is attacking the people when the truth is that the fmln unleashed this terrorist escalation by using weapons and ammunitions supplied by the sandinist government.    the international community should investigate the sandinist government's meddling in this criminal attack on the salvadoran people more closely.  the public knows that major crimes have been planned on nicaraguan territory, even against fmln leaders.  the late top fmln leader, cayetano carpio, ordered the murder of melida anaya montes, whom the rebels called commander ana maria from nicaragua.  fmln commander joaquin villalbos, who ordered the murder of marxist poet roque dalton garcia, continues to live in nicaragua.  the marxist - leninist conspiracy which wants to subject the salvadoran people to a totalitarian dictatorship is planned, led, and implemented on nicaraguan territory.    however, the salvadoran people, who have suffered for many years from the bloodthirsty fmln attacks, know that fmln is the one who has cruelly murdered children, women, and the elderly, and has not respected sex or age.  this is the fmln that is mercilessly attacking the salvadoran people.  at present, the salvadoran armed forces are fulfilling their constitutional mandate to protect and defend lives and the properties of salvadoran society.  the fmln has failed in its terrorist offensive.  it entered the city, the way all cowards enter to kill by surprise and in cold blood defenseless people.    however, the people's armed wing, namely, the salvadoran armed forces, have repelled the aggressors who are being directed from nicaragua with professionalism. so far, not one of the cowardly fmln leaders has shown up in salvadoran territory.  these criminals have pushed their murderous hoardes to indiscriminately fire at the entire civilian population.  the salvadoran people have condemned, rejected, and repudidated the fmln's terrorist attack.      the murderous leaders believed that the people would rally behind and accompany them in their failed rebellious offensive; they tried to hand out weapons in some towns. just as the people turned their backs on the terrorists at the polls, they reject them now once again because they know that the fmln is responsible for their hunger, poverty, and suffering. to the free peoples of the world who respect the principle of nonintervention in the internal affairs of states, the salvadoran people and government demand the condemnation of the meddling by the sandinist government with its logistical support to the fmln and that nicaragua stops lending its territory for the aggression against this nation that wants to live peacefully in democracy based on a respect for the law and full liberty.


Input: colonel ponce, what is the current military situation in san salvador and in the other departments?    (ponce) good evening, salvadoran people.  the armed forces want to publicly recognize and thank the people for their cooperation during this time when the fmln (farabundo marti national liberation front) terrorist hordes are carrying out an armed aggression against all of our people.    the situation in san salvador can be summarized as follows:  fighting is ongoing in the northern part of san salvador -- in mejicanos, cuscatancingo, and the zacamil areas.  there are also some clashes in the northwestern area of soyapango, in the residential areas of bosques del rio, monte fresco, el petete, and san jose.    there is some sporadic fighting in ciudad credisa, as well as in santa marta.  that is what we can tell you at this moment about the fighting in the area of san salvador.      in the other departments, on saturday, 11 november, there was fighting in san miguel, santa ana, zacatecoluca, usulutan, and some sporadic fighting in chalatenango.  of all these places, the terrorists increased their aggression today only in zacatecoluca.  the terrorists, unfortunately, took over the hospital in zacatecoluca, killing one soldier who was receiving medical treatment.  the armed forces have regained control of the first and second floors of the hospital.  approximately 10 to 15 terrorists are on the third and fourth floors, and the trouble is that there are sick people on those floors.    so, we believe that the armed aggression, the indiscriminate terrorism that the fmln has launched at this time in an irrational manner against the salvadoran people, has been controlled.  the armed forces are fighting in a professional manner against these terrorists.      (reporter) to sum up, we could then say that there are only a few guerrilla resistance pockets in the areas that you have mentioned.  this contradicts the reports from the clandestine radio stations to the effect that they control certain areas.    (ponce) i must also add that there is also some fighting in ciudad delgado.  i can categorically state that the fmln does not control any point in our national territory.  they are shouting abroad that they control certain points in san salvador.  the people themselves, the media, and the diplomatic corps are witnesses to the fact the fmln does not control any places in san salvador or in the other departments.  there are still some fmln redoubts, which we are currently controlling in order to expel from the urban areas the terrorists who are attacking the civilian population.    naturally, we have some combat limitations in the urban areas, because the terrorists are shielding themselves behind the civilian population and are holding many families hostages in their own homes. the terrorists have also placed snipers on some tall buildings. that is why the armed forces are asking for the people's understanding.  if we were to use our military power, as we could do in a combat zone, we would kill many innocent people.  (continued)


Input: and we not want to do that. we want to resolve this situation in a cautious way, always respecting and protecting our civilian population.  that is why we ask those persons who have been kidnapped or are being held hostage by terrorists to be patient.  the salvadoran armed forces are making an effort to reach all the areas where this situation prevails so that we can rescue all of our salvadoran brothers.      (reporter) these remarks are intended to reveal the professional nature of the armed forces and reaffirm something many salvadorans have in mind. regarding this military offensive, has the fmln received military and personnel aid from abroad?    (ponce) sure, nicaragua has always supported the fmln. president ortega is doing this (3-second break in reception). the nicaraguan foreign minister, who is currently in mexico, is giving his full support to the fmln.  he says that the revolutionary forces have already achieved their victory in el salvador.  the fmln are liars. they follow the same communists' slogans: lie, lie, and lie.  here no one believes that.  a truck loaded with weapons in santa ana was driven by an east german.  some of the captured people are foreigners. i cannot tell you where they come from.    (reporter) your remarks confirm the presence of mercenaries in the current armed struggle, which would be....    (ponce, interrupting) i can also add that we received information before 10 november that a group of terrorist fighters had come to the country's eastern zone from nicaragua.  they may be participating in this terrorist action.      (reporter) as for the total number of casualties inflicted on the fmln now, can you tell how many fmln rebels have died in this offensive?    (ponce) nationwide, we counted 230 terrorists killed, and 136 terrorist wounded; 72 terrorist were captured.  one terrorist was presented to the press.    (reporter) can the number of civilians killed and wounded be totalled now?    (ponce) that is the most regrettable aspect of this irrational fmln action.  this action has imperiled the people who are not involved in the armed uprising.  we regret that 17 people have died and 86 have been wounded.    (reporter) this figure is really regrettable.  many people have been tuned into this national network.  we have heard many telephone calls reiterating support for the current government and the armed forces' actions.  in case of an emergency in areas where the curfew was ordered. what suggestions can you offer people in the capital city?    (ponce) to report an emergency they can dial 3 if they have a telephone available.  otherwise, or if they do not have a telephone, it is important that they leave their homes with their arms up carrying some white flag or cloth and go to a nearby unit to get aid. people must keep in mind the armed forces are the friends of the people and will serve the people. trust and go to your armed forces.    (reporter) these were the remarks of col rene emilio ponce.  he is now leaving this national radio network.    (ponce) i can tell you that a large number of weapons have been seized.  we can confirm the meddling of some communist bloc countries in this. we seized russian and north korean weapons which probably entered through cuba and nicaragua.  i can also tell you that since the fmln fired mortars from the national university on saturday and sunday morning, we had to remove the terrorists from several points.  we found weapons, explosives, and a large amount of medicine inside the national university.  some men were killed with their rifles in their hands; we also captured others who were inside the national university.    i also want to ask the civilian population for its understanding and to trust their armed forces.  these armed forces belong to the people and serve them.  we are acting in a professional manner.  be patient, remain calm, and we will move ahead with god's blessing and help.  also, i want to publicly recognize the military chiefs, officers, enlisted men, security corps officials, and all the armed forces' active personnel for their heroic work in defending our people, democracy, liberty, and peace. your actions have been heroic, and all of us recognize this.  may history do you justice tomorrow.  you must feel proud because you are doing what every patriot must do, defend the fatherland.


Input: the salvadoran army's counterattack against rebel positions in mejicanos, on the northern side of the capital city, was suspended at 1745 (2345 gmt), 1 hour after it began and so far there are no reports on the results of it.    two columns of some 100 salvadoran army troops, armed with rifles and artillery weapons, started to attack about 150 guerrillas who control ample positions in mejicanos where some 125,000 people live.  during that hour, strong explosions were heard near mejicanos; they later stopped when a heavy rain fell for about 30 minutes.    there are no telephone communications with the area; therefore, it has been impossible to determine the balance of the government's counterattack.    meanwhile, it was reported that in the conacaste neighborhood of soyapango, also in northern san salvador, five private homes were straffed by army helicopters. the number of casualties has not been determined yet.    according to the u.s. embassy in san salvador, the national offensive launched on 12 november by the farabundo marti national liberation front (fmln) against alfredo cristiani's rightist government has resulted in 305 dead and 373 wounded, including guerrillas, soldiers, and civilians.

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Input: since 1981 the farabundo marti national liberation front (fmln) has been insisting on the need for a political solution to the war.  its efforts met with the stubborn opposition of the armed forces and the country's ultrarightist sectors, who are the ones who in reality have wielded total power.    we presented dozens of negotiating proposals in which we increasingly made our positions more flexible, even though the military reality demonstrated that we were invincible.  we presented to the current nationalist republican alliance (arena) government a proposal that had real possibilities of bringing about peace.  however, the response we received was an escalation of repression by means of torture and murder, which culminated with the massacre of the workers of the salvadoran workers national union federation (fenastras).    the government rejected our formulas for negotiation in word and in deed, and instead deepened the causes behind the war by worsening the social crisis and reducing the range of activity of the popular sectors. faced with a dangerous situation that threatened not only to shut off a peaceful solution to the war, but instead to increase the killings and other flagrant violations of our people's democratic rights, the fmln decided to launch a forceful and strategic military offensive that would put a halt to the fascists and open up a possibility to bring an end to the war.    consequently, at 2000 on 11 november our forces entered into combat against all the targets designated in our offensive plan, despite all the preventive measures and arrangements set up by the army to try to halt us.  our experienced fighters, in spite of the disadvantage in forces and arms, have fulfilled our goals beyond our expectations, carrying out one of the most glorious military battles in the history of the people's war. in under 15 hours, we gained control over strategic territories, wiped out dozens of enemy troops, took prisoners, recovered weapons, and destroyed armored vehicles and airplanes.    after 4 continuous days of fighting, our forces have rejected all counterattacks by the enemy and have gained new positions.  thousands of residents of the cities have staged popular uprisings to support our forces, which have been augmented by new fighters.  faced with this situation, the arena government and the clique of corrupt military officers known as la tandona who command the armed forces, have ordered criminal bombings of the civilian population with the purpose of putting down the popular uprisings.  this has brought about more support for our forces and redoubled the people's rage against the government led by cristiani and the army.  a situation has thus come about which demands that our forces carry out the decision to continue the offensive that our forces and the people have unleashed until its final consequences. (continued)


Input: peace is possible only if we evict from power those who have profited from war.  consequently, the fmln general command:    1.  orders that all our units must hold the positions conquered, organize the general uprising of our people, and carry out all the tasks dealing with the population's security and defense and the collection of food and its distribution to the needy.    2.  calls the people to a general uprising so they can join us in battle in every possible way with all types of weapons to defend themselves and strike the enemy.    3.  announces that, effective as soon as this manifesto is announced, we declare as territories liberated by the people all the areas under our control in morazan, san miguel, la union, usulutan, cuscatlan, chalatenango, san vicente, and cabanas departments.  in accordance with this, our forces and the people will organize popular governments in every municipality in these departments.  simultaneously, our forces that control territories in the cities must intensify the struggle to ensure total control of the country.    4.  urges all the workers to stop working as part of the generalized struggle, which will help weaken the january government and will enable all to join us in combat.  therefore, we hereby announce that the current transportation stoppage, the sabotaging of the energy supply, and the closing of gasoline stations will continue for an indefinite time.  for this reason, the people must prepare for this situation.  we sternly warn those employers who force their workers to go to work that our forces have been instructed to impose obedience to this measure.    5.  asks the international community and humanitarian organizations to send help to the civilian victims of bombings and contribute to the creation of refuges and centers to protect the population from the criminal actions unleashed by cristiani's government and the armed forces high command.    6.  urgently calls all political and social forces, popular organizations, and private businessmen in our country to assume at this time the historic role of makers and builders of a national democratic solution that can bring lasting peace to our country.    7.  makes a patriotic exhortation to officers and the rank and file of the army not to let the big batch (la tandona, the graduating class of the majority of the current army staff members), arena, and the u.s.  interests lead them to confront the people, thus staining their hands with blood.  the fmln does not regard them as enemies and is ready to make peace with the army sectors who desire justice, sovereignty, and true democracy for our people.  the enemy of the people and all of our country's social and political forces is la tandona, who have enriched themselves with war, and the arena death squads.  they are the enemies of peace and democracy.  they are the ones who do not want a regime of justice.  we call all the nation to fight them so we can sing the national anthem, which the tyranny has tried to bury, and which says: freedom is its dogma and guideline, which it has sworn to defend a thousand times, and just as many times, has sworn to reject the hateful power of a bold tyranny.    (signed) fmln general commanders salvador sanchez seren, eduardo sancho, francisco jovel, shafik jorge handal, joaquin villalobos.    el salvador, 13 november 1989.


Input: nicaragua presented a draft resolution to stop the salvadoran conflict and seek a diplomatic solution to the salvadoran situation at the 29th annual oas meeting held on 13 november 1989.    the draft was introduced by nicaraguan foreign minister miguel d'escoto and read for radio sandino from the nicaraguan embassy in washington.    (begin recording) (unidentified person) whereas the situation of the salvadoran people is marked by the increasing armed struggle and flagrant violations of human rights and man's fundamental liberties:  the enormous human suffering caused by this situation has resulted in the loss of numerous civilian lives as an effect of the indiscriminate repression on the noncombatant population.  according to article 2, paragraph a of the oas charter, amended by the cartagena protocol, one of the organization's main purposes is to strengthen peace and security in the continent. solidarity among american states (words indistinct) makes it an urgent matter that the organization devotes special and considerable efforts to help achieve a negotiated political solution of the salvadoran conflict and to end the bloodshed.  therefore:    1. we urgently call on the salvadoran regime to immediately stop the bombings of the civilian population and the acts of repression like at san salvador university.      2.  we make an appeal so that the hostilities can be stopped immediately, the wounded can be evacuated, and the civilian population can be supplied with staples in full security.    3.  we appeal to the sides in conflict that negotiations be immediately initiated through the united nations and the oas, leading to a cease - fire under conditions that ensure full respect for all human rights.    4.  we urge making the necessary arrangements so the un observers for central america (onuca), created by the un security council on 7 november 1989, can go to el salvador immediately to a) make sure there is no foreign interference in the salvadoran conflict, which could prevent the implementation of the salvadoran people's right to full and unrestricted self-determination; b) enforce the principles of international law regarding humanitarianism, particularly article 3 of the geneva conventions signed in 1949, which deal with expenditures due to war, protection of civilians, and (words indistinct).   5.  we ask the oas secretary general to utilize all available indirect and direct means, according to article 115 of the amended charter, to obtain current and objective information on the salvadoran situation and to keep all oas member states posted on this.  (end recording)


Input: attention, attention, we have just received a report from san miguel on indiscriminate shelling in san miguel.  the report adds that the indiscriminate shelling and bombings being carried out by a-37 planes continued today in la esmeralda, la coquera, lopez, el granillo, and santa luisa neighborhoods.  it has also been reported that there are several dead and wounded civilians and many destroyed homes.    once again we denounce these criminal actions by the fascist government; we denounce the shelling and bombing actions against the civilian population.  we repeat our call to the international red cross, humanitarian organizations, green cross, and rescue commands to come to these places to help the civilian victims.    we have also received a report from ilobasco; we have received a preliminary war bulletin from cinquera, cabanas department.    today, 14 november, at 0000 (0600 gmt), rebel units entered ilobasco, cabanas department, and attacked the repressive national police and civil defense trenches located in downtown ilobasco with rifles and rpg-7 rocket launchers.  today, 14 november, at 0630 (1230 gmt), heavy fighting was still being reported.  it has been confirmed that during the attack on ilobasco, the national police, 2nd military detachment, and civil defense troops suffered 12 casualties.  at 0740 (1340 gmt) fighting continues in ilobasco.


Input: here is an important report from san miguel.  the fmln (farabundo marti national liberation front) has inflicted 47 casualties on 3d infantry brigade troops and police forces in the northern section of san miguel, the departmental capital.    in addition, during fighting with the arce battalion in san miguel, fmln forces have inflicted many casualties and seized ammunition and war materiel from its forces.    we have seized a large quantity of bombs and armament in the districts in the area of the military route and, your attention please, your close attention:  it is also reported that during fighting with the arce battalion yesterday, 13 november, at 1300, four soldiers -- including a sergeant -- were killed and many wounded.  in addition, we seized 4 m-16 rifles, 4 knapsacks, 1 law, 1 m-72, and 1 m-79 with 36 grenades in la coquera neighborhood in san miguel.    at noon yesterday, 13 november, seven knapsacks, ammunition for m-16 rifles, and other supplies were seized in the area chevron gas station. in addition, one soldier was killed in the fighting in this area of san miguel.


Input: this morning our units toured several areas in san salvador and the outlying municipalities.  in reality, salvadoran brothers, our armed forces have completely wiped out the redoubts of the terrorists of the farabundo marti national liberation front (fmln).  in several places in san salvador there is heavy movement.  we have seen hundreds of salvadorans in the streets, thousands in some areas, going to their workplaces.  there is activity in the streets.    we congratulate the salvadoran people, who are moving about with optimism, for their courage and bravery.  they are defying the bullets of the fmln criminals and murderers, who are sowing grief and mourning among the salvadoran people.  the fmln did not take into account, however, that el salvador has a professional and powerful armed forces that the people support.  this armed forces is destroying all the guerrilla redoubts.    salvadorans:  if you are still at home, you can go out to work unless you are in one of the few remaining restricted areas where terrorist snipers are operating.  there is activity and movement in the large urban areas of the city and on the main streets of the capital.  the markets and commercial establishments are opening for business.  the supermarkets are opening their doors.  buses are operating.  we will keep you informed of what is taking place so that you can move about freely, knowing that your armed forces is supporting you, that each soldier is guarding your life. you have to trust in your armed forces, as you always have, because it is the arm that is defendinamapolas, san francisco neighborhood, san salvador; in the vicinity of the torre democracia building in san salvador; and in el limon canton, soyapango.  there were no casualties as a result of any of these encounters.    an attempt was made against the deputy foreign minister's life through an attack on a residence in the escalon neighborhood in san salvador.  no one was hurt, however.      the armed forces also reported that a harrassment attack was made on the garrison of the 4th infantry brigade, but there were no casualties. three explosions have been heard in apastepeque, but their origin has not yet been determined.    armed forces personnel were also harrassed north of the 6th infantry brigade and national police installations in berlin, but again no casualties were reported.

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Input: the salvadoran army reported today that 909 persons -- soldiers, rebels, and civilians - - have been killed or wounded in the past 3 days as a result of the fighting going on. the report adds that 432 persons have died and 477 have been wounded.    army spokesman colonel raul arturo lopez also confirmed that a 24-hour curfew has been ordered in the densely populated neighborhoods of ilopango, santa lucia, soyapango, mejicanos, zacamil, ciudad delgado, and ayutuxtepeque, all located in the northern and eastern sectors of the city.    according to the army spokesman, this measure was ordered to control the guerrilla redoubts that remain in these neighborhoods.    the armed forces have said that they are not aware of a truce offered this morning by the guerrillas to allow help to get to the civilian population trapped in the trouble spots.


Input: here is a report on armed forces military actions: in the 1st military zone clashes were reported in the areas of san jose guayabal and san martin, where the rebels were turned back by the soldiers assigned to the areas.  the rebels left supplies and ammunition behind.    in the maquilishuat neighborhood in southwestern san salvador, soldiers from the belloso battalion forced terrorist troops who were roaming the area to flee.  clashes were reported in the vicinity of the san benito and san francisco neighborhoods, where the troops repelled the terrorists who were trying to close in on these residential areas.    in the township of el tule aguilares, clashes were reported between 4th brigade troops and terrorists from the farabundo marti national liberation front (fmln).  the terrorists were repelled and fled in disarray.    encounters with fmln terrorists also occurred on san antonio avenue, in the area of cuscatacingo.  the attackers fled, carrying several wounded comrades with them.    in soyapango, the fmln subversives coldbloodedly murdered two watchmen at the insa factory.    feeling hounded and hemmed in by the armed forces troops, the fmln terrorists continue to resort to (3-second break in reception) to kidnap youths, on this occasion from the amatepec neighborhood on the outskirts of san salvador.      in ciudad delgado, members of the security corps arrested three persons and confiscated the following material they were carrying:  three m-16 rifles, a 45-caliber pistol, and ammunition for m-16 and ak-47 rifles.  in the town of san marcos, the bracamonte battalion confiscated an ak-47 rifle and a hand grenade.    the fmln terrorists who are making a desperate retreat from the suburbs of san salvador have abandoned 27 of their dead comrades in ciudad credisa.  these people shed their blood in vain for ideals that do not truly seek the welfare of salvadorans, but instead the implementation of the opprobious and totalitarian dictatorship that the fmln terrorists would like to impose.  there is no place for the fmln here in el salvador.  it has always had a warlike, violent position opposed to the interests of the civilian population.    the armed forces has control over the small redoubts in which the terrorists, trying to save their lives, are hiding in the homes of defenseless salvadorans.

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Input: while trying to guarantee the citizens' security and defend democracy in el salvador, armed forces troops have discovered a safe house of the terrorist groups in san marcos and seized 6 high-caliber rifles, 12,485 rounds of ammunition, 330 pounds of explosives, 16 fragmentation grenades, 1,520 dynamite blasting caps, and 2 radios.  of the ammunition, 10,400 rounds are for soviet-made ak-47 rifles.    many terrorists have surrendered to the armed forces during the last few hours.  among them are santos torres hernandez and julio ramirez, who turned in 2 rifles, over 500 rounds of ammunition, explosives, and other war materiel.  the two subversives said that at this moment the insurgents are worn out and have no desire to continue fighting against the salvadoran people.  in addition, the subversives admitted that the armed forces are in control of the situation in san salvador and the interior.


Input: an opposition labor federation announced today that it will call a general strike if the air force continues to bomb neighborhoods in the salvadoran capital and called for an initial closing down of work centers to compel the government to hold talks with the guerrillas.    julio cesar portillo, leader of the national union of salvadoran workers (unts), at the same time denied that the labor leaders had taken refuge in the mexican embassy, and affirmed that "we are working, trying to take care of the civilian population."    according to portillo, the closedown could lead to a general strike in the next few days to "defend the workers and compel the government to negotiate a political solution to this war."    the leader of the unts, which the government claims is a front for the guerrillas, asked all the workers to stay home and said: "we demand that the government immediately halt all activities that are affecting the civilian population."    portillo said that a general strike has not yet been called, but did not rule one out if "the repression and the indiscriminate bombing of the people" continue.    at a news conference, the labor leader said that "the cristiani government does not have the situation under control.  the crisis is deepening."    portillo said that there are thousands of workers -- especially in the neighborhoods in the northern and eastern part of the city where the fiercest clashes are taking place -- who do not have food or medicine and who are living under dangerous conditions, in the midst of firefights.    according to the unts leader, in the next few hours labor and humanitarian organizations will set up "refugee centers" to assist the salvadorans who are trapped in the combat areas.    the leader warned that stores and supermarkets might be sacked and said that the guerrilla offensive launched saturday evening "is the largest ever since the war in el salvador began."    portillo said that "we workers have to see to it that a truly democratic government can come to power in el salvador," but added that he has no information regarding a rumor spread today in san salvador that the guerrillas or some political organizations had announced the formation of a provisional government.    the fmln guerrillas, who are battling fiercely against government troops in densely populated areas of san salvador as well as in towns in the interior, today announced that several areas in eight of el salvador's 14 departments were "liberated territories."


Input: our forces have also engaged troops posted at the presidente hotel and in its vicinity, but once again respected the u.s. ambassador's residence.  during the entire maneuver we inflicted approximately 20 casualties on the enemy, but we did not lose any men.    meanwhile, we have had reports from san salvador that the air force is bombing heavily densely populated areas in the sector of ciudad delgado.  commander carlos announced this at a news conference in san salvador: a government that bombs the people is an illegitimate government; a government facing thousands of salvadorans in arms is an illegitimate government; and a government that massacres the people is an illegitimate government; and an illegitimate government must be toppled by our forces.    now, we have a last-minute report from san salvador.  at this very moment, an o-2 airplane is throwing rockets at the area of zacamil, where heavy fighting is under way.  it has been reported that there have been civilian casualties in this attack.  it has also been confirmed that the three armored personnel carriers that were destroyed in zacamil were destroyed on the street that joins the zacamil neighborhood with the metropoli neighborhood.    in another report from our companeros in soyapango, they have informed us that they have seen a u.s. adviser leading the troops in the sector of soyapango.  it is presumed that this north american is the one who is directing the air attack in the sector of soyapango. c-47 airplanes as well as uh-1m, huey 500, and uh-1h helicopters, all u.s. made, have been throwing rockets on and machinegunning the sectors of soyapango and ciudad delgado.  the fascist regime of la tandona (name given to 1966 graduates of captain gerardo barrios military academy), cristiani, and d'aubuisson have decreed a curfew in all of the areas under the control of our forces in the northern part of san salvador to ensure that there are no witnesses of their indiscriminate bombing.  we issue an urgent call to the red cross and other humanitarian organizations to go to soyapango, where there have been dozens of civilian casualties.  we also issue an urgent appeal to the democratic latin american governments so that they can (words indistinct) the fascist government of alfredo cristiani, to get him to stop this indiscriminate bombing once and for all.    a report from the capital states that fmln forces this afternoon are attacking zacamil battalion positions and harrassing the armed forces' joint chiefs of staff.  on this 4th day of fighting in the capital, roadblocks continue to multiply throughout.  this is the second attack on the joint chiefs of staff in less than 24 hours.    as reported on the evening of 13 november, we attacked the san benito battalion at the national fair grounds and the forces guarding the joint chiefs of staff.  this is the second harrassment attack on the joint chiefs of staff.  this complicates the armed forces' situation in the capital because the enemy armed forces' top leadership is being attacked and harrassed.  fmln forces are besieging the enemy.    air force aircrafts continue to overfly the northern area of the capital this afternoon.  they continue to machinegun and bomb the civilian population.  moments ago, we reported that there was heavy bombing in zacamil against the population.  we call on the international red cross committee to go immediately to zacamil to evacuate civilians who might have survived these cowardly and bloody air force bombings.


Input: we have a report from our commanding post in san salvador.  we have an interview with commander claudio rabindranath armijo.  because of certain problems with the communications, the questions will not be clear, but the answers will be.    (reporter) commander claudio rabindranath armijo, we are interviewing you from radio venceremos here in morazan department.  we have heard reports from central american radio stations speaking about rocket fire and bombings in zacamil neighborhood.  could you tell us about the current situation?    (armijo) we have been holding our position for about 3 days (words indistinct).  currently, there is rocket and machinegun fire being launced against our positions.  the enemy is desperate.  this morning we repelled an attack.  they fled in disarray because no one came to support them.    (reporter) the fascist disinformation network has been saying that the people are not supporting the farabundo marti national liberation front (fmln).  what is the people's attitude toward the fmln fighters in zacamil neighborhood?    (armijo) their conduct has been positive.  they have been helping us treat the wounded.  they have helped us with food problems.  they have supported us completely by placing barricades on the streets. the people's support in this area is completely different from what the enemy's psychological war is trying to accomplish.    (reporter) we have received information from our comrades in soyapango who say that they have seen a u.s. adviser leading enemy troops in san salvador.  have any of your men seen any u.s.  advisers? (armijo) (word indistinct) not seen them, but (passage indistinct).    (reporter) what is the morale of the fmln troops particularly in the zacamil area?  the fascist information network has been saying that fmln troops are leaving their posts.    (armijo) their morale is high.  we are encouraged by the people's support.  we are very determined.  the enemy's attacks have been repelled.    (reporter) could you send a message to fmln troops in zacamil neighborhood and to those in the northern and southern parts of the capital as well as to fmln fighters holding their positions in other parts of the country?    (armijo) the people are currently supporting us.  we are waging one of the most important battles in the last few years.  the outlook for victory depends on what each of us does.  we must keep moving forward.    this has been a recorded interview.  we interviewed commander claudio rabindranath armijo a few minutes ago.  he is currently at a command post in san salvador.


Input: attention, attention, salvadoran people.  this is cadena nacional, the network of freedom, the salvadoran people's network.  attention, salvadoran people:    the terrorist hordes of the farbundo marti national liberation front (fmln) have been defeated by our brave armed forces, who have gone out to defend our sovereignty, integrity, and the lives and properties of all salvadorans.    the salvadoran people are supporting their armed forces and president alfredo cristiani.    at this time, the fmln criminals are receiving the punishement they deserve through the glorious weapons of the salvadoran armed forces.    the cowardly fmln terrorist groups have been hiding since 11 november in the homes of defenseless civilians.  they are cowards. they are like those coward criminals who after committing murder run to hide behind a woman's skirt.  that is what those terrorists are doing.  they are hiding under the beds of the population, which is suffering because of the terrorists' attacks.  they are cowards who have treacherously attacked and bombed the people.    a few hours ago, the liar terrorist joaquin villalobos, from his hotel room in managua -- where he has air conditioning and lots of food -- said that the fmln has seized positions, which is not true. all towns in the country are under the government's political control and under the armed forces' military control.    we must inform you that there are only a few areas where terrorists have sought refuge in houses and are acting as snipers.  however, the armed forces are trying to dislodge them in a professional manner in order not to harm civilians.    the cowards are hiding in a few areas.  we must tell you that the areas where there is some resistance are ilopango, colonia santa lucia, soyapango, mejicanos, zacamil, ayutuxtepeque, and ciudad delgado.    salvadorans who are in those areas, victims of the terrorists: from here your salvadoran brothers, your brothers in the armed forces, tell you that we are at your side at this time of struggle, during this sad time when you are faced with hunger and death threats by the fmln terrorist hordes.  we are at your side, compatriot!  we are with you salvadoran people!  your armed forces will not abandon you.  you can be sure that all this will soon be over.  we will soon dislodge these mangy dogs who have come with (nicaraguan president daniel) ortega's weapons and terrorist hordes, who have come here to massacre the salvadoran people.  we are with you compatriot!  stay where you are.  remain calm, as you will soon be freed from the terrorist hordes.    ilopango, colonia santa lucia, soyapango, mejicanos, zacamil, ayutuxtepeque, and ciudad delgado: remember that your government and cristiani are at the head of the armed forces, and that your armed forces are unitedly, professionally, and patriotically struggling to defend you from this brutal and bestial attack that we denounce before the world.    why is it that no one says anything?  why do journalists in europe say nothing about what is happening?  why do they not tell the truth? they only repeat the lies of radio venceremos and the liar radio farabundo marti.  the people's truth is here.  here is the truth of our people, who have endured the terrorist attacks for 10 years!    salvadoran people: be brave and united, full of patriotism, and sure of our victory.  our fatherland is free!  our armed forces are gloriously fighting!  forward, armed forces!  forward, salvadoran people!


Input: attention, this is a last-minute report from san salvador: our forces have occupied positions held by the national police in cuscatancingo.  the policemen were forced to flee in disarrary from a position that they had held in cuscatancingo, northern san salvador.    meanwhile, the enemy is using m-79 rocket launchers in downtown mejicanos.  the market area and the projects have been affected.    we repeat: a national police position was attacked between 1310 and 1350 (1910 and 1950 gmt).  the policemen, who are excellent at repressing the people and the committees of mothers, fled cuscatancingo in disarray after being attacked by farabundo marti national liberation front forces.    at 1407 (2007 gmt), an a-37 dragonfly plane overflew ayutuxtepeque, mejicanos, and zacamil.  our fighters are trained to fire at these planes.  thirty minutes ago, a push-and-pull 0-2 plane dropped bombs on zacamil neighborhood and a c-47 machinegunned the area.    an a-37 plane is now overflying northern san salvador after our comrades occupied a position that the national police had held in cuscatancingo.


Input: political and diplomatic sources today revealed that the guerrillas tried to kidnap salvadoran president alfredo cristiani and other officials of the right-wing government on 11 november when they launched the largest military offensive of the past 10 years.    a neighbor of the president in the luxurious residential area of "maquilishuat," in northern san salvador, said that "the guerrillas managed to enter president cristiani's home, but could not kidnap him because he was not there."    leaders of the ruling nationalist republican alliance (arena) have confirmed that guerrillas of the farabundo marti national liberation front (fmln) had planned to kidnap president cristiani "but we do not know for what purpose."    a ranking official told acan - efe that "we have agreed that in the event of a kidnapping there would be no rescue."    "ever since we were installed in government we knew that we could end up on the floor (dead)," said an official who asked to remain anonymous.    diplomatic circles are also commenting on reports regarding the kidnapping of cristiani and top government leaders.  they confirmed to acan - efe that the guerrillas who attacked cristiani's residence were wearing military uniforms.    some sources maintain that the disguised guerrillas subdued presidential residence guards and entered cristiani's home, but neither the president nor any of his relatives were there.    sources close to the president assure that cristiani, his wife margarita, and other relatives were at a countryside home in "coatepeque lake," however, this claim could not be confirmed.    most ministers and government officials were resting at countryside homes in different parts of the country, but congress president ricardo valdivieso and vice president roberto angulo were in their respective homes when the guerrillas attacked and both of them fought back with their weapons.    the fmln on 11 november began a large-scale military offensive which included attacks at more than 50 points nationwide, especially army positions.  these attacks have yielded about 1,000 casualties among civilians, rebels, and soldiers.    some sources claim that the residence of julio adolfo rey prendes, leader of the authentic christian movement (mac), was also attacked by the guerrillas, but this report has not yet been confirmed.    fierce fighting between the army and guerrillas, especially in densely populated neighborhoods in northeast san salvador, where the rebels are entrenched, continues three days after the offensive began.    commander joaquin villalobos, one of the five top fmln leaders, announced that 7 of the country's 14 departments were declared "freed zones."    the rebels maintain that the offensive is designed to bring the government and fmln "to an equal footing" in seeking a negotiated political solution to the war conflict.    a guerrilla who was interviewed by acan - efe in a san salvador neighborhood said that "the offensive aims to topple president cristiani and destroy the fascist repressive plan."    some diplomats maintain that the government and army had been expecting this offensive for several months, but underestimated it, because they thought that there would be two or three violent outbreaks and not a nationwide large-scale offensive such as the one that began on 11 november.    "we cannot figure out how the guerrillas managed to reach cristiani's residence," a source said.

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Input: salvadoran president alfredo cristiani denied this afternoon that the guerrillas have "liberated territories" in the country, as was announced by the clandestine "radio venceremos."  he also denied the report that the army is bombing civilian townships.    cristiani announced at a news conference that there is "a triangle" consisting of panamanian general manuel antonio noriega, nicaraguan president daniel ortega and the farabundo marti national libersation front (fmln) involved in the rebel offensive, but said he could not supply any more details.    the president stated that the situation in el salvador is controlled, but admitted that there are still rebel "redoubts" in densely populated zones.    according to cristiani, who held his first news conference since the offensive began on 11 november, the armed forces are advancing slowly but surely "so as not to affect the civilian population."


Input: u.s.  president george bush hypocritically regretted today that the fmln (farabundo marti national liberation front) has turned the region's peace agreements into a senseless bloodbath with the offensive it launched on 11 november.  what can you say about this?    (letona) i would say that president bush's remarks are very cynical.  he said that a political solution was being sought in central america and with this action, we had broken the political path and sought other options.  i think the people who broke the path are the united states.  we must recall that while we were holding talks in san jose, costa rica and demanding the removal of la tandona (name given to 1966 graduating class of captain gerardo barrios military academy) and demanding justice against the death squads in order to find a political solution and participate in elections, the u.s. government approved more aid for the fascist sectors, the very sectors that were in fact repressing the people and carrying out such dramatic and horrible actions as the one perpetrated against the fenastras (salvadoran workers national union federation) building.  these actions continue and have been repeated every day in el salvador.    therefore, the first ones to bury the political possibility were the united states.  the first ones to give weapons to the fascists to continue killing people were the united states.  the salvadoran people cannot wait for the fascists to kill them all.  that is no way to attain peace, much less democracy in el salvador.  that is what the united states did.  right now when we are involved in an offensive, who are the ones guilty of genocide against the people?  the united states.  those bombs and those rockets that are falling on civilians are bombs and rockets provided by the u.s. administration to the salvadoran army.    the ones who have blocked the possibility of peace and negotiation in el salvador are the united states.  we wanted to remove la tandona and the government's death squads through political means but that was impossible.  so, we are doing it through the combat of our forces and with the cooperation of all the people.


Input: a leader of the insurrectional movement in el salvador today said in managua that the military campaign that the salvadoran guerrillas have launched against army troops on various fronts aims to create the appropriate conditions for a "genuine dialogue" with guarantees for the people.    commander mario lopez, member of the farabundo marti national liberation front's (fmln) political commission, said that the rebels have orders to "advance" and control the "freed zones" as part of its struggle against the army of alfredo cristiani's "fascist government, which is maintaining a socially unjust regime.    lopez, who is also known as "commander venancio salvatierra," said that the salvadoran air force has used more than 15 aircrafts to bomb civilians in soyapango, on the outskirts of san salvador, and neighborhoods in san miguel, causing serious structural damage and killing civilians.    the salvadoran guerrilla leader pointed out that the fmln military campaign, which began with nationwide attacks on 11 november, has enjoyed "popular support" which makes it "an insurrection whose scope is difficult to gauge."    he added that this reaction means that the fmln "cannot allow blows against the people to take place with impunity."    "we are seeking a change in the correlation of forces that would bring about appropriate conditions for a genuine dialogue," mario lopez pointed out.  he added that the government of alfredo cristiani must "quit hoping for a military victory over the fmln."    as for efforts to bring about a dialogue between the guerrillas and the salvadoran government, lopez said that efforts are being made by various governments to prevent the genocidal actions of the salvadoran army.  he said that the fmln is making such efforts at the united nations and oas where nicaragua has proposed a resumption of negotiations.    he added that for the time being, the salvadoran guerrillas are organizing "popular governments" in the "freed zones," however, he said nothing about the etablishment of a provisional fmln government.    lopez said that an intervention by the guatemalan army in the salvadoran conflict, by supporting the cristiani army, "would be dangerous for central america because the conflict could be spreaded." he recalled that guatemala is facing a guerrilla struggle which is older than the one in el salvador.    lopez denied that the salvadoran guerrillas exist because of the ussr, cuba, and nicaragua and added that the salvadoran guerrilla struggle is older than the sandinist government itself (1979).  he added that the fmln has developed its own strategies and even its own weapons, however, he admitted that it receives weapons from abroad. he provided no futher details on the fmln's "own" weapons.


Input: salvadoran defense minister general humberto larios declared today that between 1,000 and 1,500 farabundo marti national liberation front (fmln) guerrillas have been fighting in the capital since last saturday.    the defense minister denied that the army is bombing civilian areas, as the guerrillas charged today.    larios admitted that the rebels have hit "four or five helicopters" and several army radio patrol vehicles but added that they have not destroyed any armored vehicles.    the military leader said that the army is not dropping heavy bombs on the townships in which guerrillas have taken refuge in order to "protect the civilian population."    president alfredo cristiani denied that the guerrillas have "liberated territories," as the fmln announced today.


Input: the army failed today in its attempt to recover the positions taken over by our forces on 11 november in the country's main cities.    the enemy's counteroffensive resulted in more bloodshed among its ranks.  the army sowed terror and death among the civilian population by carrying out indiscriminate machinegunning and bombings against densely populated areas in apopa, the hermita and obrera neighborhoods, the cemetery area, the santa elena neighborhood, the outskirts of usulutan, la esmeralda neighborhood, la coquera and el granillo in san miguel, the northern main highway, zacatecoluca, soyapango, ayutuxtepeque, and zacamil.    in many of these places, the air raids lasted practically all day, producing numerous casualties among men, women, and children, and destroying many houses and other buildings.    in overcoming the army's counteroffensive, we have maintained absolute control of all our positions in the various parts of the country.    we have inflicted the following cumulative damage to the enemy: approximately 760 casualties, 24 armored vehicles out of combat, as well as 11 helicopters and planes.    support for the transportation stoppage has been total in almost all parts of the country.    only 24 hours after summoning the people for a general rebellion, people have massively joined in the tasks of collaboration and support or have directly participated in combat.    the decree declaring a 24-hour curfew in the northern part of san salvador shows that what the army is facing throughout the country is not the fmln (farabundo marti national liberation front) but the people's growing rebellion.    our heroic fighters have responded with the usual vigor and efficiency to the order given by our general command to hold the positions conquered and immediately organize the people's general uprising.    out with the fascists; febe elizabeth lives!    (signed) fmln general command                commanders salvador sanchez seren, francisco jovel,                eduardo sancho, shafik jorge handal, and                joaquin villalobos                el salvador, 14 november 1989


Input: officials reported that 220 terrorists have been killed, 196 wounded, and 22 captured during the clashes that took place in the area of the university and its outskirts.    among the war materiel confiscated: a surface-to-air missile, 140 high-caliber rifles, 6 law rocket launchers, and machineguns.    an armed forces press committee coprefa spokesman stated that they were not authorized to release any official information on the 11, 12, and 13 november events.    military sources who were questioned stated that according to initial reports--reports which are unofficial and cover only up to the afternoon of 13 november--received from soldiers who fought against the extremists positioned at the el salvador university, the terrorists suffered more than 400 casualties. these casualties were distributed in the following manner: 220 killed, 196 wounded, and 22 captured.    the confiscated war materiel included a soviet-made surface-to- air missile--considered the most important catch; 140 high-caliber rifles including 74 ak-47 assault rifles, law rocket launchers, 2 m- 79 grenade launchers, 3 uzi machineguns, 50 grenades, 2 dragunov rifles for snipers, and 38 blasting caps, approximately 1000 m-16 cartridges; and 136 ak-47 cartridges.    also confiscated were four knapsacks containing clothing and communist propaganda, five tnt blocks, two olive-green uniforms, and material to manufacture explosives.    officials reported that the confiscated soviet missile was part of a 15-missile lot that entered salvadoran territory from nicaragua and that had originally been stored in perquin, morazan department.    the source added that it was a very sophisticated weapon and that its presence in salvadoran territory confirms that once again the sandinist government has supplied weapons to the fmln (farabundo marti national liberation front). the sandinist government continues to supply weapons despite the promise made by president daniel ortega at tela, honduras that his regime would no longer supply weapons to the salvadoran terrorist groups.


Input: good evening, salvadoran people--if i may say, so despite the circumstances affecting the capital city. it is regrettable and inconceivable that the farabundo marti national liberation front (fmln) should persist with the aggression it has unleashed against our capital city and surrounding municipalities. our population has suffered the most from this fmln aggression.    this aggression, salvadoran friends, must be seen as an act of desperation by the fmln, as this is the only way we can explain their irrational actions. i have used the word desperation because the fmln knows that it is out of style and that its attitudes are no longer accepted in the world. we can see in europe that countries have passed from totalitarian regimes such as the one that the fmln wants to implement here, and walls are open for liberty and democracy.    we are sure that this is what the salvadoran people want: liberty and democracy. that is why they have not supported and will never support the fmln terrorists who want to subject the salvadoran people to totalitarian regimes, to dictatorships of oppression, repression, and violation of human rights.    i was saying that this is a desperate act because we cannot see how anyone who is not desperate could cause so much harm to innocent people and to the civilian population. there are already more than 100 dead or wounded because of the fmln's irrational actions. of course, to that we must add that they destroyed many homes which they entered and have held families as hostages. they have damaged the electricity, potable water, and telephone systems, depriving the population of those essential services, not to mention the lack of food affecting the civilian population in the areas where they are holding hostages.    in addition, it is appropriate to see how far the fmln terrorists' irrational minds can go, because they have carried out acts of savagery that we cannot understand. how can there still be anyone like the nicaraguans--and i am talking about the nicaraguan government, of course, not all nicaraguans--and the cubans, who support such acts of savagery.    holding civilians as hostages, putting them in the middle so that they will be the ones who are hurt, and shielding themselves behind innocent people is an act of savagery, salvadoran people.    taking over a center for orphan children in order to protect themselves behind little children who do not have a father or a mother is an act of savagery, salvadoran people.    they even did something worse at the zacatecoluca hospital and the people witnessed this. when they entered the hospital in zacatecoluca, they murdered, at gunpoint, a soldier who was receiving medical attention; they placed bombs inside the hospital and then fled.    salvadoran people: the fmln is already a desperate beast. this is  the only thing we can say about such irrational minds. however, we must realize and understand, and above all, be sure that the majority of our people repudiate the fmln terrorists.                        the people must know that they can count on their armed forces which have advanced slowly, but surely. it is advancing slowly because it wants to fully protect the lives of civilians. the armed forces could drive those terrorists out of where they are; however, there are civilians there, and we would never want to expose those civilians to the danger the fmln is trying to lead them into.  the armed forces have continued to advance. they have effectively advanced, using professional means. for example, neighborhoods such as bosques del rio are totally calm now, because the armed forces have already entered and forced the terrorists out. we know that all of you would like to see an end to this terror that the fmln wants to create. however, we must also understand, particularly those of us who are not as anguished at this moment as those families that have become fmln hostages. they too, deserve that we do everything we can to achieve our objective; however, we must do so respecting the lives of those innocent people. the fmln failed to achieve its objective.  (continued)

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Input: commander in chief fidel castro ruz, first secretary of the communist party of cuba and president of the councils of state and ministers, last night granted an exclusive interview to our reporter, oscar suarez, at the inauguration of the madrid restaurant in habana vieja. (passage omitted)    (begin recording) (castro) today is an important day.  today, when we are commemorating the 470th anniversary of havana, we received the news of the crushing triumph of the south-west african people's organization in the namibian elections by 57 percent. it is a very good percentage.    on the other hand, we also received the news....(rephrases) we admire the heroism with which the salvadorans are fighting.  it is something very impressive.  it is a like a lesson to imperialism which is euphoric and thinks that the world is at its feet. they think that...    (suarez, interrupting) (words indistinct) which is terrible.    (castro) i believe the actions that the salvadorans are presently carrying out are one of the most extraordinary feats that have ever been written.  despite the 10 years (of struggle), the billions that the united states has invested in creating the salvadoran army and supplying it with the most modern types of arms, notice how those people can fight.  notice what is being done.  how are they using the yankee bombs and planes?  they are being used to massacre the salvadoran people.  just notice how they are indiscriminately bombing the people's neighborhoods which are in the hands of the revolutionaries.  what the imperialists are doing is something repugnant.  however, i think that what the salvadorans are doing is amazing, admirable.  what they are doing is showing the imperialists that the people are far from kneeling before them.  their actions are showing imperialism that the people will continue fighting without caring about the euphoria that currently overcomes them under these circumstances.    (suarez) commander, what else can you say on the subject of why we have so many friends?  we, the cubans are what we are because we are a mixture of spanish and african.    (castro) i think we have the friends we do because we have followed a policy of principle.  i think the friends we have are basically due to the prestige of the revolution, the respect the revolution merits, the ethics of the revolution, and the principles of the revolution. now, the fact that we are also a mixture of caribbeans, that is something else.  that has nothing to do with politics.  (word indistinct) reasons we can have congeniality.  however, congeniality does not always turn into true friendship.  there could be congeniality but it does not result in friendship.  friendship is more a result of recognition, admiration for a country.    (surez) do you believe that...    (castro) this small country was facing the empire, it became a bastion of dignity for the world.  i think this merits certain recognition and liking. we can be proud of that and of the friends we have.  i appreciate these friends who are friends of cuba despite yankee pressures.  they are friends of cuba despite yankee threats, intrigues, and campaigns.  this says a lot.  the yankees wanted to bury and discredit the revolution with the media agencies they own. however, they have not been able to achieve that.  that is why under these circumstances we really appreciate the friendship and solidarity that other nations render us.  aside, from that, we are caribbeans. we are a good mixture.  we are a mixture of which we are proud.  we are a mixture of indian, african, and european.  that mixture has turned out to be very good.    (suarez) we also have chinese mixture in us.    (castro) that is true, you are correct in reminding us of it.  i think this mixture has also helped to enrich the virtues of our nation. (passage indistinct) (end recording)


Input: la paz, 15 nov (efe) -- the wave of violence that has been going on for 1 week in la paz due to demonstrations carried out by labor unions has increased during the past few hours with street confrontations between police and demonstrators and with the explosion of 8 bombs.    the protests began approximmately 1 month ago in support of the economic demands of 74,000 teachers, who are asking for a bonus of approximately $100, but the violence became general when the government refused to grant the bonus.


Input: this is a last-minute report.  the soriano battalion has been attacked near the arena (nationalist republican alliance) headquarters.  as a result, several were killed and wounded.    it has also been reported that the atlacatl battalion was repelled west of dolores in ayutuxtepeque this morning.  the battalion then withdrew. in addition, the cuscatancingo national police garrison is under siege.  we repeat: our forces have laid siege to the cuscatancingo police garrison.  the guerrillas are advancing.    according to a report, the rebels are holding their positions in ayutuxtepeque and ciudad delgado.  new roadblocks were erected throughout the night.  the frontline has been moving forward constantly. our forces have been increasing the areas under their control in san salvador.  the armed forces are in a tight position because the guerrillas have occupied the santa tecla - san salvador highway.


Input: guatemalan security forces last night defused a bomb planted in front of the salvadoran embassy in guatemala city, the police reported today.    the police also reported that two bombs exploded last night and destroyed two telephone junction boxes in separate locations in the capital.  there were no casualties. the explosions, however, caused great alarm and prompted several police patrol cars to comb the areas in search of those responsible for the actions, the source added.    a squad defused a high - power bomb that had been planted in front of the salvadoran embassy.    no victims at the site of the explosions were reported. the damage on the junction boxes, however, will probably be costly to the state telephone organization.    these attacks are in addition to the one sustained by the headquarters of the opposition rightist national liberation movement (mln) last week.  the explosion demolished most of the office.    so far, no group or organization has claimed responsibility for these terrorist attacks.

salvadoran embassy

telephone junction boxes

high - power bomb

two bombs


Input: the salvadoran army today attacked by land and air the guerrillas who early this morning occupied ciudad merliot, a middle-class residential area in southwestern san salvador.    an "a-37" salvadoran air force plane flew over the area and strafed certain points, while armored personnel carriers went through the streets and infantry soldiers confronted the farabundo marti national liberation front (fmln) guerrillas.    the rebels, who have been fighting since 11 november in the capital city, took positions in ciudad merliot very early this morning and burned buses and trucks, and then placed the charred vehicles as barricades on the main entrances to the residential areas.    the guerrillas also cut off access to the main highway joining san salvador to santa ana, the second most important city in the country, and la libertad port.    at least five army armored personnel carriers were continuously firing on the guerrilla positions in ciudad merliot.    "get away.  this is a prohibited area.  there is heavy shooting against the guerrillas," shouted a soldier from one of the armored personnel carriers to an acan-efe correspondent who was momentarily trapped on one of the main streets of the residential area.    the salvadoran guerrillas on 11 november began the greatest military offensive of the last 10 years, inflicting over 1,000 casualties, according to official sources.


Input: "attention, pay close attention.  we call on the international committee of the red cross, the diplomatic corps, brother peoples of the world.  we have contacted (fmln guerrilla commander) marisol galindo in san miguel city. she reports that right now colonel vargas is following a suicidal and genocidal attitude and is bombing the civilian population in san miguel.    "there are many dead and wounded due to the 500-lb bombs, the rockets, and the strafing by the air force in the northern area of san miguel city.  bombs and rockets have been dropped in the city, killing and wounding many persons in san miguel city.    "we urgently call on the international committee of the red cross to immediately evacuate dozens of women, children, and elderly who have been gravely wounded by this irresponsible and genocidal bombing by col mauricio vargas, chief of the 3d infantry brigade.  we call on the peoples of the world so that immediately they will denounce before the world what is happening in san miguel city.  somoza's bombing of the nicaraguan people is one-thousand times worse in el salvador."


Input: this is a last-minute report.  the soriano battalion has been attacked near the arena (nationalist republican alliance) headquarters.  as a result, several were killed and wounded.    it has also been reported that the atlacatl battalion was repelled west of dolores in ayutuxtepeque this morning.  the battalion then withdrew. in addition, the cuscatancingo national police garrison is under siege.  we repeat: our forces have laid siege to the cuscatancingo police garrison.  the guerrillas are advancing.    according to a report, the rebels are holding their positions in ayutuxtepeque and ciudad delgado.  new roadblocks were erected throughout the night.  the frontline has been moving forward constantly. our forces have been increasing the areas under their control in san salvador.  the armed forces are in a tight position because the guerrillas have occupied the santa tecla - san salvador highway.


Input: the salvadoran armed forces hereby inform the salvadoran people and international and domestic public opinion that they emphatically condemn the treacherous murder committed by fmln (farabundo marti national liberation front) guerrillas against dr ignacio ellacuria, rector of the central american university, as well as other university officials at this center of higher learning.  the armed forces also strongly reject any reports on this murder that attempt to involve them.  the salvadoran armed forces are right now bent on obeying their constitutional obligations of preserving safety, defending the country's sovereignty, the integrity of its territory, as well as maintaining the country's peace, tranquillity, and public security.    the armed forces reiterate to the salvadoran people and the international community that all their men are serving the country to safeguard the property and lives and strictly upholding the law within the framework of respecting human rights.  we also make a special call to the international community to not be taken in by unfounded news spread by the fmln marxist-leninist guerillas, with which they try to hide their failed armed adventure against the salvadoran people.    the salvadoran armed forces have professionally repelled most of the invaders' redoubts, through which the fmln is attempting to seize power through a generalized massacre against the salvadoran people.    el salvador, 16 november 1989.

farabundo marti national liberation front

dr ignacio ellacuria


Input: attention, attention, the armed forces' counterattack on our positions in zacamil has failed. attention, at this time radio venceremos proclaims that the new armed forces' counteroffensive to attack our positions in zacamil has failed.    a report sent by comrades commander claudio rabindranath armijo and carlos argueta indicate that the enemy attempt to take our positions in zacamil failed.    at 0400 today, an important battle was fought in zacamil.  combined troops of the belloso and bracamonte battalions, and a cavalry unit, with the support of one helicopter and one or two light planes, tried to attack our fortified positions.  however, this attempt ended in a resounding failure.  the enemy sustained 45 casualties in the attack, which lasted from 0400 until 1100.  these casualties, which have been confirmed, included a section chief.  in addition, our forces destroyed one armored vehicle and damaged another. we also have a belloso battalion patrol trapped in one of the buildings.  some members of this patrol were wounded, others were killed in action.    in its desperation, the army has used the air force for its indiscriminate attacks.    this is a last-minute report we have from san salvador: the enemy counterattack failed in zacamil.  by noon, our forces had had controlled this attack.  the situation in san salvador is becoming more critical for the general staff with the fall of the cuscatancingo garrison, where our forces seized thousands of items of military supplies and ammunition.


Input: a spokeswoman for the international committee of the red cross (cicr) has declared that the cicr has not been able to enter the areas affected by last night's fierce fighting and bombing "because there are no guarantees from the government."    marie aude lude, cicr spokeswoman in el salvador told acan - efe that "we have not received any reply from the authorities regarding our request for a 6-hour truce made on 15 november."    she said that, "we can not operate under those circumstances."    she said, however, that the salvadoran red cross has been active. she confirmed that five of its ambulances have been shot at since the fighting between the guerrillas and the army started in the streets of san salvador on 11 november.    three members of the local red cross have been wounded in the last 5 days.    independent observers arriving from the zacamil and mejicanos neighborhoods this morning reported that there were many casualties during last night's fighting. they said that the air force continuously machinegunned guerrilla positions in the densly populated areas.    the cicr has asked the two sides to decree a 6-hour truce to evacuate the wounded and bury the many bodies that are spread througout the city.  some corpses are decaying because of the heat during the day in this city.

guerrillas

army

its ambulances


Input: salvadoran foreign minister jose manuel pacas castro today condemned the assassination of six jesuits and two women in his country, and he blamed the ultraleftist groups for it, although he said he had no proof.    "it is a repugnant crime," said the foreign minister, who was attending the 19th oas general assembly, and he described the assassinations as a "desperate action taken by the left."    joao baena soares, secretary general of the oas, was asked today to report to the assembly on the situation in el salvador in compliance with the resolution on that country that was approved on tuesday.    a communique released today by a farabundo marti national liberation front (fmln) spokesman in washington blamed the salvadoran army for the crime, and added that "all of the bodies had bullet wounds in the head, indicating that they were executed."    pacas castro said today that the salvadoran government, headed by alfredo cristiani, will maintain its commitment to a dialogue to discuss the suspension of the hostilities and to implement an internal peace process.    moreover, he announced that an official mission, capable of making decisions and commitments, will travel to caracas in the hope of meeting with representatives of the fmln guerrillas.    the salvadoran foreign minister said the situation in his country is under control and that army troops are slowly moving into the densely populated areas to avoid bloodshed among the civilian population.    as for a request by the international red cross to call for a cease-fire for humanitarian reasons to treat the wounded and civilian victims, pacas castro said that the first-aid brigades continue to do their work in el salvador.    as for the assassination of the six jesuits and the two women, he said "he condemned this type of violence" because ignacio ellacuria, one of the jesuit priests who was killed, "was my teacher," and he described the priest as a very valuable man who worked for peace and for the economic and social development of the population.    costa rican foreign minister rodrigo madrigal nieto, in statements to the press, regretted the death of the clergymen.  "working for peace is very difficult," he said.    madrigal nieto said today he hoped the dialogue between the government and the guerrillas would continue despite the war.    guatemalan foreign minister ariel rivera irias supported the statements of his costa rican colleague, and he condemned the use of violence as a political tool.

ultraleftist groups

ignacio ellacuria


Input: the fmln (farabundo marti national liberation front) general command reports the following to the salvadoran people and international community:    1.  it was learned through military intelligence sources that there were discussions between u.s. pentagon advisers and the salvadoran armed forces' general staff on the ineffectiveness of salvadoran air force pilots.    2. as a result of these assessments, on 13 november, u.s. combat pilots arrived at the ilopango air force base from honduras.    3.  in the past 48 hours, these u.s. pilots have been carrying out the bombing missions in san salvador.  night bombings are carried out exclusively by these yankee pilots, and they are directly responsible for the extensive damage inflicted among the civilian population.    4. on 15 november, (word indistinct) company troops from guatemala arrived in our country as a result of pressure by the bush administration to get regional armies to intervene in the salvadoran war.    the fmln believes that these are very serious developments that could lead to the expansion of the salvadoran conflict to the rest of the region.  we call on the international community and, particularly, on the u.s. public to denounce before the world the escalation of the bush administration's meddling in el salvador.  we warn the international community about the danger of this escalation and that we will not be the ones responsible for the deaths of north americans in our fatherland.  we call on central america's presidents to become aware that this u.s. intervention harms the esquipulas and tela accords and constitutes a direct attack on the region's process of democratization and peace.    (signed) fmln general command -- commanders francisco jovel, joaquin villalobos, salvador sanchez ceren, and eduardo sancho, shafik jorge handal    el salvador, 16 november 1989


Input: in view of the sinister massacre of jesuit priests today, the fmln reports the following to the salvadoran people:    1.  the massacre of the jesuit priests ignacio ellacuria, segundo montes, ignacio martin baro, joaquin lopez, amando lopez, and juan ramon moreno, along with mrs julia elba ramos and her daughter celina ramos, was perpetrated by armed forces death squads at dawn today.    a group of about 30 men dressed in green stormed into the priests' residence and riddled them with bullets fired from heavy caliber weapons.  three of the bodies were dragged out to the patio where they were given death blows that completely crushed their skulls.    2.  this absurd massacre and the genocidal bombings against heavily populated areas in san salvador and san miguel have been ordered by alfredo cristiani and the armed forces' high command, and are part of a counterinsurgent plan to destroy the political opposition and create a state of terror among the civilian population.  public death threats were made against priest ignacio ellacuria over the armed forces national network.    the night of wednesday, 15 november, the security corps searched the offices of the opposition groups looking for the leaders in order to kill them.  this is the same scheme they used in 1979 and 1980 when they murdered monsignor romero and massacred the revolutionary democratic front leaders, university rector dr felix ulloa, and tens of thousands of salvadorans.    3.  there is no room for doubt that the arena (nationalist revolutionary alliance) regime and the armed forces are fascist beasts that have been mortally wounded.  therefore, we call on democratic peoples and religious leaders to protest such an unfortunate massacre, and on the international community to isolate the fascist regime of alfredo cristiani.    4.  we call on the armed forces officers who knew father ignacio ellacuria -- and respected him for his past history in the fields of education, research, and scientific analysis of the true situation -- to take a dignified and determined stand and not stain their hands with the blood of genocide.    there have always been honest patriots in the armed forces who do not have to sink with the criminals.  we offer them our hands, so that together we will save the country, and so they will be able to save part of the armed forces.  alfredo cristiani and the armed forces assassinated the jesuit priests, but they are committing suicide.    5.  the fmln condemns this crime and joins in the sorrow of the salvadoran people who lose in such an absurd manner some of the most appreciated intellectuals of our country.  their intelligence and sensibility were always at the service of change and progress in our society.  their work will be eternal, and the fascist irrationality will never put an end to that work.    we call all of our commands, fighters, militants, and our people in general, to untiring combat.  this struggle is the only answer we have for this despicable massacre.  we must oust arena and la tandona (1966 graduating class of the gerardo barrios military school).  the fatherland is counting on our strength and our determination, and we will not fail the fatherland.    (signed) fmln general command: commander shafik jorge handal, commander joaquin villalobos, commander francisco jovel, commander salvador sanchez ceren, commander eduardo sancho    16 november 1989

armed forces death squads

ignacio ellacuria

segundo montes

ignacio martin baro

joaquin lopez

amando lopez

juan ramon moreno

julia elba ramos

celina ramos

heavy caliber weapons


Input: the fighting between the salvadoran army and the guerrillas and the constant air force bombings of populated areas continued for the 6th consecutive day today, while thousands of civilians fled from the main areas of fighting.    in san salvador, especially in northwestern neighborhoods, efe reporters were able to confirm the persistent clashes and continuous launching of rockets by air force push and pull aircraft against the rebel positions in densely populated areas.    at least two blocks of homes in low-income zacamil neighborhood have been ablaze since mid-morning as a result of the rebel offensive launched on saturday, which has left more than 600 dead and 1,000 wounded.    the neighborhoods of zacamil, mejicanos, ayutuxtepeque, and cuscatancingo are the principal areas of fighting in the salvadoran capital where, according to army sources, the military have "laid siege to the rebels and will evict them in a few hours."    the salvadoran army, supported by aircraft and artillery, are attacking these neighborhoods where approximately 300,000 persons live and where the guerrillas have taken up positions.    for their part, spokesmen for the farabundo marti national liberation front (fmln), entrenched in buildings and behind barricades in densely populated neighborhoods claim that they "will not retreat" and that "they have consolidated their positions in the capital and other cities of the country."    according to the fmln, fighting is under way in at least 7 of the 24 departments of el salvador, while the fiercest clashes are taking place in usulutan, la paz, san miguel, and morazan in the eastern part of the country.    independent civilian sources reported that in the country's eastern department of san miguel the guerrillas have occupied positions in various neighborhoods, which are under heavy air and artillery fire.    however, the army and the government claim that the situation is under control throughout the country, and that "there are guerrilla redoubts" in san salvador only.    meanwhile, thousands of residents in neighborhoods where clashes are taking place are seen running terrified through the streets of san salvador seeking places of refuge.    thousands of people -- men and women with children in their arms -- can be seen carrying a few belongings and holding white flags as they walk to shelters opened by various churches, where they receive food and medicine.    the precarious situation of thousands of salvadorans "is very (words indistinct) thousands of refugees.    the exodus of salvadorans has grown even more in view of the strict security measures implemented throughout the country, such as the state of siege and the 24-hour curfew enforced in the departments where clashes are taking place and 12 hours in the rest of the country.    so far we have not been able to obtain information on the number of casualties as a result of clashes and the bombings that took place last night and this morning.    the international red cross has not been able to enter the neighborhoods where clashes are taking place due to the heavy fighting, and the authorities have rejected a proposal for a temporary truce to evacuate the wounded and permit the burial of bodies still laying in the streets of san salvador.


Input: attention.  pay close attention.  zacamil, cuscatancingo, and soyopango residents: it is recommended that you leave your homes immediately to keep the fmln (farabundo marti national liberation front) terrorists from using them as places where they can shield themselves from the victorious advances of our armed forces.    the catholic church has offered the following places to be used as refuge: buen samaritano school is ready to accept santa marta residents, and san roque parrish, we correct ourselves, it is the jesus obrero parochial school, is also open.  refuge can also be taken at these following schools: san jose boarding school, sagrado corazon, and la asuncion.    this urgent call is made primarily for families whose houses are close to the last terrorist pockets located in the places mentioned. we do all this for the safety of you and your family.  we ask you to come out with white flags and your hands up high.  together -- government, people, and the armed forces -- we advance toward peace.


Input: commander facundo guardado, one of the founders of the salvadoran guerrilla movement in the past decade, today said that the army's counteroffensive in san salvador "is at a stalemate," while the "rebels are advancing."    guardado, wearing an olive green uniform, told the press that the guerrillas' offensive, which began on 11 november, surprised the armed forces and the united states, which has "motivated warmongering sectors in this country to continue repression."    the guerrilla leader, known as "esteban," said: "we are willing to negotiate with the government a political solution to the war from here (san salvador), while we continue to hold these territories (in san salvador)."  he added: "we would have to ask army chiefs if these are the so-called undelimited border areas bordering honduras."    the salvadoran army has repeatedly charged the farabundo marti national liberation front (fmln) with seeking refuge in "undelimited border areas" in dispute with honduras.    guardado was interviewed near a clinic in northern san salvador. he was surrounded by people who complained to the press of the salvadoran air force's "indiscriminate" bombings.    "we have been forced to leave our homes.  we do not know what to do.  we ask you (the press) to report that the air force is bombing these neighborhoods," a man who was carrying a white flag and saying good-bye to his neighbors said.    the guerrillas presented to the press two soldiers who were detained on 15 november as soldiers tried to expel rebels from mejicanos, a densely populated neighborhood in san salvador.  the soldiers, approximately 25 years old, identified themselves as jose francisco ramirez and santos lopez.  "we were captured yesterday.  we were treated well and have been fed.  we do not consider ourselves prisoners of war," ramirez said.  lopez said he had entered the mejicanos area with 45 other soldiers, but "all of them left."


Input: when answering a question on the possibility that the six jesuits and two other persons could have been murdered by the military, salvadoran president alfredo cristiani said today that "if the armed forces people did it, the weight of the law will fall also on them."    cristiani "strongly condemned" the multiple murder that took place early this morning and attributed it to "groups or minds that want to hinder the process of democracy and peace that has been carried out in el salvador."    the president said he was determined "to investigate this to the very end, regardless of who did it."    he emphasized that it is too early "to give any opinion" on who could have committed the murders, pointing out that the fact the men who did it were wearing uniforms and were moving at night during the strict curfew in the city "is not conclusive."    cristiani said that "the armed forces as well as the guerrilla groups move during the curfew hours."    he stated that in agreement with the armed forces general staff, with whom he met this morning to discuss the issue, he has ordered an investigation.    the salvadoran president disclosed the existence of "a possible witness that has not been interrogated by those who are carrying out the investigation" and who have fingerprints and empty cartridges of bullets for ak-47s and m-16s.    cristiani disavowed versions reported during the day by the government radio network that claim the farabundo marti national liberation front (fmln) guerrillas committed the murder.    in another part of his news conference, the salvadoran president admitted that within the armed forces "there might groups of persons who do not agree with the government," but he added that "as an institution, they are with the government."

military


Input: salvadoran president alfredo cristiani stated today his government is willing to continue the dialogue with the guerrillas, but only if it desists from violence and joins the democratic process.    "we will not lend ourselves to any game with the guerrillas.  while speaking of peace, they prepared this action" (the offensive), cristiani stated, noting that the rebels "are going to any length to try to achieve power through violent means."    "if hostilities do not cease on the part of the guerrillas, there will not be any dialogue.  the government will not lend itself to this game," he insisted.    the president stated at a news conference that the army "has controlled" national territory, although he admitted that in some places, especially in neighborhoods of the capital, clashes are still taking place with the rebels.    cristiani stated that costa rican president oscar arias "is very disturbed and termed the rebels cynical," because while they spoke of peace they were preparing the offensive launched on saturday.    the president again denied that the salvadoran air force is indiscriminately bombing the civilian population.  he said that only twice have bombs been used, the first time in an open field of the university of el salvador where mortars were positioned, and again last night in the vicinity outside the air force garrisons.    cristiani stated that the guerrillas used bombs last night against the air force in eastern san salvador and were repelled by aircraft which dropped bombs.    the president stressed that the army has not evicted the guerrillas from positions in the northwestern neighborhoods of san salvador so as "not to affect the civilian population."    he added that france and guatemala have offered to donate medicine for the thousands of salvadorans who have had to leave their homes as a result of the intense fighting between the army and guerrillas since the offensive began, causing approximately 1,000 deaths.


Input: first, i would like to thank you for being here.  briefly, before beginning the question and answer session, we would like to say before the international press that we condemn in the strongest terms the murders of the jesuit priests, their cook, and her daughter early this morning at the central american university, uca.  we feel that these incidents further complicate our country's critical situation. groups or minds want to hamper the democratic process, especially the peace process that the government of the republic has tried to advance and will continue to pursue.    from the start we ordered an investigation because we believe that now that the people and all of the country's institutions have supported the peace process, it is no longer possible to continue having these savage incidents take place that are aimed at blocking this process.  we have made preliminary investigations that merely tell us how things happened.  we have already taken some procedural steps, such as (word indistinct) where the impact was felt and where the crimes were perpetrated.  in sum, we did the things normally done at the start of these kinds of investigations.    there is a possible witness to these crimes, but, unfortunately, he has not been located so that he can be questioned by the investigators.  they will certainly make every effort to locate him so that he can provide information that will clarify this regrettable incident.    i suppose the jesuits' provincial will host a news conference.  you have many of the details, so we are going to skip them.  the only things we have found are fingerprints that are being studied and shell casings from ak-47 and m-16 rifles.  we will submit them for ballistic tests.  we will also conduct forensic tests, which will begin soon. another important detail is that inside the building there was a room or library with video cassettes.  it was like a studio.  this room looked like it had been burned after being ransacked.  all these things and other details have been reported and submitted to the investigators.  we also talked to the jesuits' provincial and told him that we were determined to get to the bottom of this.  we asked him for his help, and he expressed his readiness to assist in the investigation.  we are grateful for this help because in the past cooperation with the authorities has not always been forthcoming.    we hope that with this help and with the remarks by msgr arturo rivera y damas, with whom we also spoke this morning, this case will not be politicized and justice can be served, avoiding reaching hasty or biased conclusions by any of group or party.  we think and agree with msgr rivera y damas that this is how a serious investigation should be conducted.  we hope that this investigation will lead us to the heart of the matter.  regardless of who the perpetrators are, we want punishment for those attempting to hinder the process of peace and democracy in el salvador.    and so we begin the questions.  perhaps mr sandoval or ana maria may wanto help us to put some order (words indistinct).    (reporter) (words indistinct)    (cristiani) first, the government communique repeats eco (mexican news agency) eco reports, which mention unknown terrorists. regardless of the side that is involved, this is the way to describe these actions.  these are terrorist actions because of their overall context, no matter who (words indistinct).  let me repeat: we have comments by church officials who were giving versions that have not been corroborated.  we have been told there were several persons wearing uniforms, to cite these versions verbatim.  i do not want to excuse or accuse anyone, but i feel that is not a categorical proof. today, many people who do not belong to the armed forces are wearing uniforms.    let me repeat: one cannot say one thing or another, but i do think this must be investigated.  if members of the armed forces are found to be involved, they will feel the full weight of the law.  (continued)

room or library with video cassettes

ak-47 and m-16 rifles

m-16 rifles