Input: in an unprecedented move in colombia's recent history, the patriotic union (up) took over this evening the main offices of the interior ministry in bogota and told the government that they will not leave until a government meeting is convened to analyze the upsurge in violence against up members.    the up, the country's third-ranking political force, lost about 950 of its members and leaders over the past 4 years.  this morning, up legal advisor abelardo daza was shot.      the takeover is by up president bernardo jaramillo, vice president diego montana, secretary carlos romero, and treasurer oscar duenas, who ask that president virgilio barco's government disclose the results of the fight to combat the right-wing squads and the "true behavior" of some military and police leaders in some areas of the country.    jaramillo, who recently denounced before european and american entities colombia's "dirty war," said that "the up and public opinion need to know why gonzalo rodriguez gacha (one of the medellin cartel leaders accused of financing and masterminding the murders of political leaders) and other well known criminals have not been caught."    jaramillo added: "we do not want more bodyguards, but the political resolve to dismantle the gang of hired gunmen and arrest their leaders."

abelardo daza


Input: gustavo guerra, coordinator of the leftist patriotic unity (up) in cordoba department in the country's northwest, was gunned down today.    meanwhile, the four topmost up leaders, headed by president bernardo jaramillo, still occupy the office of government minister orlando vasquez in bogota to protest the murders of the organization's members.    the up leader in cordoba was murdered at approximately 1500 (2000 gmt) today, at the same time that the government designated in bogota general miguel alfredo maza marquez, administrative department of security (das) director, as the government delegate to meet with those who are occupying the government minister's office.    guerra is the third up member murdered within the past 36 hours.  his death raises to 384 the number of the organization's members and leaders murdered since it was founded in 1985.      maza marquez is expected to meet within the next few hours with jaramillo and the three other up leaders who are in the minister's office.

gustavo guerra


Input: "i do not want to interfere at all.  the judge will pronounce the verdict; meanwhile, i will wait and keep silent," msgr gregorio rosa chavez, auxiliary bishop of san salvador, said yesterday regarding his brother shortly after ending sunday's (30 july) homily at the cathedral.    the prelate was referring to the arrest of salomon enrique rosa chavez, who was turned over to the first criminal court by the national police and accused of belonging to the people's revolutionary army (erp).  the first criminal court judge ordered his temporary arrest following a 72 - hour period, as established by law for crimes of bearing counterfeit documents and for bribery; these crimes do not require a prison sentence.    the auxiliary bishop said:  "i have remained silent out of respect for the legal process, which is still under way.  my brother is still in prison, and that is why i prefer to wait for the process to end," he said.  the prisoner was not released on saturday, but he will be relased on monday, 7 august.    asked by reporters if the charges made against his brother would hurt his (msgr rosa chavez's) image or that of the church, he said that the church's duty to the country is difficult to fulfill but that the church's efforts must continue, because the huge number of parishioners who come to the cathedral every sunday to ease their pains cannot be abandoned.    "a shepherd should never leave his flock, and, when there are problems, we will calmly deal with them, because that is part of our mission," he said.    the prelate expressed his concern over the series of controversies that arose during the week, such as the charges and the countercharges.  he said that the most serious thing is the "case of msgr romero," whose memory continues to inspire many and is a nightmare for the masterminds and perpetrators of his abominable assassination.      these charges were made at the highest level by former president duarte, current administration members, and well-known political figures.  rosa chavez referred to the charges filed by attorney general dr mauricio ernesto colorado, who last week asked the first treasury court judge to draw up an indictment against jose napoleon duarte, members of his family, and a christian democratic party leader.    the auxiliary bishop said:  "i greatly regret the fact that this atmosphere is one of -- i accuse you, you accuse me, and we accuse each other.  that is no way to make progress, because people expect their leaders to be more responsible and serious.  otherwise, what will those of us who are underlings learn?  that is why i have expressed the need for all of us to help clear the air so that we can achieve the peace for which we all yearn."    msgr rosa chavez congratulated all journalists in his homily and said: "i remind all journalists -- as pope john paul ii once said -- that news, if one thinks about it, is never impartial, because it at least intentionally and implicitly responds to important matters.  journalism provides an intimate link between the news, education, and essential values.  almost all men and women working for the press, radio, and television media must try to accomplish this task.  however, each day they need courage and must have much love for this people, who have suffered greatly, so that they will remain loyal to the values of their profession.  that is why our congratulation message becomes a prayer for the lord to protect them and help them not to give in during difficult times."

jose napoleon duarte

members of his family

a christian democratic party leader

romero


Input: police reported today that rene lopez, an immigration official and leader of the ruling christian democratic party (pdc), was shot to death after he was kidnapped by unidentified men.      the authorities disclosed today that lopez, who worked at the international airport's immigration department, was kidnapped on 2 august and his body was found in southern guatemala city today.      lopez' death is one more pdc leader murdered.  danilo barillas, another pdc leader, was killed on 1 august, apparently by extreme rightist groups.    so far, it is not known if the two killings are connected because the authorities have remained silent about this case which was not disclosed until today.    unofficial sources noted that it is believed that the two leaders knew too many details and possibly names of people involved in cocaine trafficking.    however, lopez' relatives rejected that his murder had any connection with the drug trafficking discovered at the airport this week.    security forces found 22 kg of cocaine in a suitcase owned by jose fernando minro navas, an official of the presidency's administrative department, on 1 august.  minro was captured and turned over to a court.    police sources stated that they have continued the investigations to get more details of the two killings but they neither denied nor confirmed any connection of suspected drug traffickers with the murder of the pdc leaders.

unidentified men

extreme rightist groups

rene lopez

danilo barillas


Input: a severe blow has been dealt to the shining path terrorist organization in lima.  in their tireless struggle against subversion, the police today presented to the press 29 shining path members who were arrested in different operations.  the terrorists were presented at the dircote (antiterrorist directorate) facilities.  interior minister agustin mantilla has said that with these arrests the police have dismantled a major shining path network.


Input: ramon custodio lopez, president of the human rights defense committee (codeh) has predicted that the tela summit will be chaotic because, in his opinion, the honduran and salvadoran governments will interfere.  the codeh president also revealed that the battalion 3-16's new name is the counterinsurgency battalion and its commander is colonel alberto andino benitez.  custodio said this during the news conference he held 2 august.    (begin recording) (custodio) we have called this news conference because we want to warn the people, the foreign journalists who are here, and the other central american presidents about the atmosphere of insecurity which afflicts the honduran people.    first of all, we will mention the assassinations which occurred in july at san pedro sula: eduardo herrera, salomon vallecillo, and dr ramon roberto garay.  we believe that the assassinations were perpetrated by professionals so we would like a judge to call the new commander of battalion 3-16 -- now called counterinsurgency battalion -- colonel alberto andino benitez to testify.  there are reports that a member of the 3-16th battalion contacted salomon vallecillo prior to his death.    likewise, i want to mention how the citizenry is exposed to police brutality.  there is the case of justo pastor escobar silva, who was assassinated by a fusep (public security forces) agent who is now serving a prison sentence.    furthermore, people feel insecure in the country, and i will mention a case which occurred 3 weeks ago.  dr marco antonio bogran was taken with all his household employees to the dni (department of national investigation) and held from 0800 to 1500.  he was not allowed to call his lawyer or his relatives, and he was held in isolation.  he was naturally afraid the worst would happen.  no one explained anything until the end.  he was told that someone had reportedly made a subversive phone call from his house.  this means that his telephone is being illegally tapped because no one here has the right to control anyone's calls. the military men in charge of hondutel (honduran telecommunications enterprise) illegally abuse their power when they hear and control telephone calls because this should be handled by the civilian authorities.  (passage omitted) (end recording)    colonel manuel enrique suarez benavides, chief of the armed forces public relations office, has reacted to custodio lopez' statement.    (begin recording) (col suarez) i have heard part of ramon custodio's news conference on codeh foreign policy, and we observed his animosity toward the contras and his affection for the farabundo marti national liberation front in el salvador.  we thought he only handled human rights but we see he also delves in foreign policy. however, this is not the main issue.    i want to refer to the fact that years ago we publicly proved that battalion 3-16, which he mentioned so many times, had been dismantled so the unit no longer exists.  nevertheless, he seems to have forgotten this, or he may be intentionally forgetting this.  the unit disappeared but the counterintelligence battalion he mentions does exist and its commander, which he mentions, is a member of the armed forces.  in other words, he has absolutely nothing to do with the activities that battalion 3-16 reportedly carried out.  if custodio wants it, we can send him a copy of the agreements to dismantle battalion 3-16 and to appoint the current commander of the counterintelligence battalion, which has existed for many years.  that is all.  i wanted to clarify this and i hope dr custodio is more objective in his statements.  i sometimes believe that the problem of being on one side (words indistinct) the mind.    (reporter) colonel, when will the armed forces be able to give the honduran people exact information on the latest people who have been reported missing in our country?    (col suarez) excuse me, i can hardly hear you.    (reporter) i asked: when can the honduran people have exact information on the people who have been reported missing in the country?    (col suarez) look, we believe that we will shortly, and i am talking about a short time, have enough information for the honduran people on the persons you have mentioned because the investigations continue.  the police arrest people based on the suspicion or hard, rational evidence that they are involved in criminal actions.  i believe you will soon have enough information on the persons who have been arrested by the police.  (end recording)

3-16th battalion

public security forces

eduardo herrera

salomon vallecillo

ramon roberto garay

justo pastor escobar silva


Input: a letter to the great leader president kim il-song was adopted at a meeting for solidarity with the korean people held in lima, peru, on july 19.    in the name of the peruvian people, it condemned the u.s.  imperialists who unleashed on june 25, 1950, a war of aggression against the newly-founded dprk which was pursuing a peace policy.    the u.s. imperialists adopted in the war the scorched earth tactics by indiscriminate bombing, but they could not bring to their knees the korean people guided by the respected marshal kim il-song, the founder of the great chuche idea and iron-willed brilliant commander, the letter noted, adding:    the u.s. imperialists suffered the most serious defeat and ignonimity in their history of aggression, while marshal kim il-song, the iron-willed brilliant commander, defeated them and opened a road of liberation to the people.    it supported the proposals for the independent and peaceful reunification of korea advanced by president kim il-song and demanded that the u.s. imperialist withdraw armed forces and nuclear bases from south korea.    the letter wished president kim il-song good health and long life.


Input: i believe that president bush will have to accept reality, which is that the central american presidents, the central american peoples are tired of war; they want peace.  we central americans are the ones who are being killed, not the u.s.  soldiers. the united states has the duty to respect decisions made by the central american peoples and governments.    (reporter) what are the real bases of the agreement reached with the nicaraguan opposition?    (ortega) it is a document that was signed by all political parties. obviously, i signed it myself.  the main point in the document is that we propose the dismantling of the contras.  that was the first issue we discussed.  the document notes that once the contras are dismantled, there will be an amnesty, and prisoners remaining in nicaragua will be released. we also stressed that foreign forces should not meddle in the nicaraguan election process; the cia, for example, has been authorized to meddle in the nicaraguan election process; this was discussed at the u.s.  congress. therefore, we are against this kind of activity, which shows disrespect for nicaraguan sovereignty.    (reporter) (words indistinct) concerning (words indistinct). however, is it not also necessary to hold talks with the contras?    (ortega) what did you say?  that we must talk to the contras?    (reporter) (words indistinct) it is also necessary to talk to the contras?      (ortega) well, we will have to hold talks with the contras to find out how they can be dislodged (from honduras) and return to nicaragua; or we must discuss whether they want to stay here in honduras -- because some may want to stay in honduras and others may want to go elsewhere, such as to the united states.  i believe that the united states should take care of those who do not want to stay in central america, because the united states promoted the contras.  the united states should not place this burden on honduras or on the other central american countries.  therefore, we will have to hold talks with the contras to get them out of here, to get them out of here in an orderly manner and not by shooting at them.    (reporter) mr president, the contras are demanding guarantees.      (ortega) guarantees already exist in nicaragua.      (reporter) commander ortega, do you help the farabundo marti national liberation front (fmln)?      (ortega) what?      (reporter) do you provide assistance to the fmln?      (ortega) we are in favor of a negotiated solution.    (reporter) (words indistinct) said it has evidence that nicaragua provides assistance to the fmln.  this was said yesterday by nicaraguan foreign minister miguel d'escoto.    (announcer) the statements by commander daniel ortega have been interrupted because the plane that brought him to the airport is about to take off from the tela airport.  at this time, the honduran foreign minister is asking mr ortega to go to (words indistinct).  the foreign minister is trying to convince ortega to stop making statements, but mr ortega seems very willing to continue to make statements to the press.  at this moment, president ortega cannot answer the questions being posed by local and foreign newsmen because the plane is taking off.    (reporter) mr ortega...      (ortega) interrupting concerning your question a few minutes ago regarding the fmln.  i just held a meeting; i just held a meeting with the fmln general command.  they are touring the area, and i have met them.  they gave me a letter addressed to the central american presidents expressing their willingness to begin a dialogue with the salvadoran government, using as a basis the dialogue that the fmln has held with the political and social forces in el salvador.  the flmn recently met with the legally registered political parties in el salvador.  the fmln has met with social groups, and, after these talks, they made a specific proposal: to begin a dialogue to reach a negotiated solution to the conflict that the salvadoran people are enduring.  our desire is to support a negotiated solution -- as established in the esquipulas agreements - - to find a negotiated solution to this kind of central american conflict.  (continued)


Input: the honduran army reported today that it dismantled a salvadoran guerrilla cell that was in charge of providing logistical support and transportation of weapons from nicaragua to el salvador through honduran territory.      during military actions that began on 29 july, one of the guerrillas was killed and six were arrested.  three of those who were arrested were salvadoran citizens and the other three were hondurans, according to documents they were carrying.    the detainees were members of a cell that transported weapons to the farabundo marti national liberation front (fmln) in northern el salvador from northern nicaragua through eastern, central, and western honduras.      the guerrillas, who also transported medical equipment, literature, and food, ran small businesses in honduras that served as "fronts," a military source said.    according to honduran army spokesman colonel manuel enrique suarez, the detainees are in court custody, and 71 ak-47 rifles, ramrods, bayonets, and other equipment have been presented as proof against them.    col suarez confirmed the existence of "several other groups that we are investigating with a view to dismantling them."    the officer said that it had not been proven if the weapons are supplied to the salvadoran guerrillas by the cuban government through the nicaraguan government "because so far we only know that the weapons are transported from nicaragua to el salvador through honduras."


Input: president manuel solis palma has said in la paz, bolivia that panama is like a country being invaded without a shot being fired.  that is how the panamanian president described the permanent u.s. invasion on panamanian territory.  he said that u.s. soldiers permanently violate the panama canal treaties and frequently occupy unauthorized zones with tanks and soldiers.    solis palma also said panama has avoided provocations so that the invaders cannot justify their actions, but in case of a confrontation, the people and the panama defense forces are prepared to defend the national sovereignty.    as for panama's internal situation, solis palma said his government is determined to achieve an understanding with the opposition and other social and political groups so that a national unity government can be created based on the principle that the canal belongs to panama and national sovereignty cannot be violated.


Input: what is the prevailing atmosphere now?    (ortega) i think that all of the presidents are hoping that an agreement will be reached. we have been seriously working on that agreement so that a final agreement can be issued. we have prepared documents on which, i would say, there is a certain consensus--such as on the document on the (word indistinct) of the contras, the document on the honduran-nicaraguan agreement concerning the suit nicaragua has filed before the international court of justice, the salvadoran issue, and other points.    i think there is a political resolve on the part of the central american presidents to make sure that something positive emerges from this summit. i am sure that the u.s. government is hoping that nothing will result from this summit. i would not be surprised if the u.s. government is currently exerting strong pressures so that nothing will come from this summit.    (reporter) mr president: what are the procedures for nicaragua's withdrawal of its suit against honduras?      (ortega) this has to be linked to complete compliance with the plan for the contra withdrawal.      (reporter) in other words, the contras must first leave?    (ortega) of course.  that is our insurance.      (reporter) mr president, has honduras agreed to this?      (ortega) we are exchanging viewpoints on this.    (reporter) the suit represents an insurance for you, commander?  which groups has the united states been pressuring?      (ortega) the central american groups. there have been direct and indirect contacts. the united states has contacted the central american delegations in hopes that no agreement will be reached. the americans continue to favor the presence of the contras. the fact that president bush met with contra leaders on the eve of this central american presidents summit is a slap in the face to this meeting.    (reporter) when you mention these pressures, mr president, to which countries are you referring?    (ortega) all of them, with the exception of nicaragua. i have no doubts that right now the united states is exerting pressure, because it wants to kill this summit just when we are about to reach an agreement. if no agreement is reached at this summit, the united states will be responsible for that.  (words indistinct) because we central american countries have sufficient authority and sufficient self-determination and independence to decide our own actions.    (reporter) at this stage, how would you describe the presidents summit? is this summit a failure or a success?    (ortega) i think it has to be a success, even if the united states has not given up trying to make it fail. this is the time, and i am sure that it is trying (words indistinct).


Input: a u.s. citizen died at the diagnosis hospital early this morning.    according to reports we received, the u.s. citizen was shot last night when unidentified individuals tried to enter his residence at san salvador's venezuela neighborhood, near las corolas avenue.  he received two bullet wounds and was taken to the diagnosis hospital, where he died early this morning.    the u.s. citizen was identified as billy murphy.  his occupation is still unknown.

unidentified individuals

billy murphy

bullet


Input: interior ministry sources today reported in lima that three alleged members of the tupac amaru revolutionary movement (mrta) have died in a clash with the national police (pn).  the guerrillas were traveling in a stolen vehicle on 6 august, when they were detected by a pn patrol in chiclayo province.  the patrol ordered them to stop, but the guerrillas fled.  the police patrol gave chase and caught the guerrillas 15 km from chiclayo, on the road to chongoyape.    a clash ensued, and juan zurita, cesar orbegozo, and ernesto benavides were killed.  the interior ministry bulletin reports that the policemen seized two sub-machine guns, a revolver, and an mrta flag from the guerrillas.    the pro-guevara mrta started its armed fight in 1984, when it riddled the u.s. embassy with bullets.    the mrta has also attacked the chinese, soviet, spanish, and argentine embassies.    in january, the police arrested mrta's main leader, victor polay campos. at least 100 mrta members have been killed by the police this year.      political violence in peru, which was unleashed by the maoist shining path in 1980, has killed more than 15,000 people and caused losses totalling some $12 billion -- some 60 percent of the total peruvian foreign debt.


Input: i do not seek, nor will i seek, the laurels of victory.  i do not seek humiliating defeats for anyone.  what i seek is peace.  i seek representative democracy in our homeland.  i seek to solve the social problems of our people by developing an economy that will benefit all salvadorans.    to the leaders of the political parties, a vital component of representative democracy and our nation's ideological pluralism, we wish to invite you to join us so that together we can work for peace in el salvador.  let us set the party banners aside and pick up our national flag.    to the fmln leaders, i reiterate my determination and political resolve to work for peace.  i am truly interested in putting an end to the bloody fratricidal struggle.  i hope the fmln will hear the call made by the central american presidents and contribute to strengthen the national reconciliation and democratization processes as established in the esquipulas ii agreements.  i also hope that the fmln will set aside its intransigent attitude and voluntarily agree to cease all hostilities and that it will demonstrate its peaceful intentions by stopping all terrorist actions against the people.  i hope the fmln will meet with us to begin this process of permanent and firm dialogue, which we are willing to begin in accordance with the agreements adopted within the context of esquipulas ii at the recent presidential summit.  this dialogue should be held without conditions and without any propaganda.    to the salvadoran people, who for years have been suffering the hard and sad consequences of a war and who are anxiously awaiting the achievement of peace, i assure you that my government is determined to work for peace by setting aside all political, personal, or partisan interests.  i want all salvadorans to contribute to achieving a civilized end to the conflict, and i would like to see all attitudes that hinder the achievement of peace set aside. peace must not be an instrument for an ideological or partisan struggle.  let us switch the roles.  let us be the instruments for achieving peace.  the selfish attitude that has hurt the homeland deeply must be set aside, and we must place the sacred interests of our beloved el salvador above all else.      peace can only be achieved with the help of everyone.  we must understand that achieving peace will be the biggest victory of the people, and this does not mean ideological surrender.  we all have opportunities within the framework of our constitution.  the constitution guarantees us ideological pluralism and representative democracy.    salvadoran brothers, let us pray that god will oversee this effort for peace.  may the savior of the world guide and enlighten us. thank you and may god bless you.


Input: today, the peruvian government declared a 30-day state of emergency in huarochiri province, lima department, due to the terrorist activities in this province.      according to the pertinent decree published in the official gazette, "individuals trying to disrupt public order are carrying out acts of violence in mining centers, causing substantial economic losses, both to private enterprises and to the state."    on 1 july 1989, the peruvian government declared a 60-day state of emergency in andahuaylas province, apurimac department, in southern peru, and also extended for 60 days the state of emergency in seven peruvian departments.      the state of emergency, involving at least half of the 22-million peruvian population and one-third of the national territory, involves the suspension of individual rights and the military control of the territory affected by this measure.

mining centers


Input: national assembly deputy major roberto d'aubuisson said today that the position adopted by el salvador through president alfredo cristiani at the summit in tela, honduras, is positive because efforts are being made to achieve peace in central america.  however, he said that the position of the fmln (farabundo marti national liberation front) will actually be very critical now.  the fmln will not look good internationally if it rejects the dialogue.    here is an excerpt of d'aubuisson's statements, in which he also revealed that costa rican president oscar arias has offered to mediate the dialogue.    (begin recording) (d'aubuisson, in progress) ... fallacies. this is not the first time they have claimed to want something and ended up doing something different.  they are going to try to improve their international image and do not want to look like (word indistinct) before the little mangy-dogs who go about planting bombs here.  they want to demonstrate perhaps that they always hold a hegemonic position here and will try to obtain a better negotiating position for their illegal forces, which are still going around (word indistinct) and killing people (words indistinct).    (castillo) nevertheless, major, do you view this meeting as positive (word indistinct) with the fmln -- that is, the dialogue -- now that something tangible has come out of the summit?  do you think peace can be achieved?    (d'aubuisson) the objective of all salvadorans -- and in this regard we speak from the heart -- is to achieve peace.  if the fmln cooperates, we welcome its cooperation.  however, if it does not cooperate, there will be fmln members who will demobilize, the same way so many people from the (word indistinct) are deserting.  these people had to be given guarantees.  we will see later if, as they say, they are truly working, or struggling, for the salvadoran people (words indistinct) more positive actions.    however, we see everything as being well on the way to achieving peace in a short time.  (end recording)    d'aubuisson said that if the fmln does not agree to the demobilization, the fmln members will be solely responsible if peace is not achieved. regarding the commission, he said it is already being organized and will begin a dialogue soon.    (begin recording) (d'aubuisson, in progress) ...a continuous dialogue to find solutions.  that is why president cristiani has instructed that it have no prior agenda but that it just begin.  their first step should be to sit down at a table to talk, to negotiate, to engage in dialogue.  and this is to go on continuously until solutions are found and they achieve something tangible, which is the final solution.    (reporter) (words indistinct)     (d'aubuisson) well, for example, costa rican president arias has offered to act as mediator or intermediary.  he said that if the commission goes to san jose, he will take it upon himself to invite these gentlemen too and to give them whatever they need for this meeting to begin.  after that, they themselves will develop the mechanisms.  (end recording)    maj d'aubuisson said the commission will be sworn in and will maintain an ongoing dialogue with the fmln representatives.    commenting on legislative work, he said that today the political committee will meet to elect the president of the commission on corruption, which had been substantially neglected by dr jaime ventura.  the only candidate for the presidency of the commission on corruption is deputy roberto angulo, vice president and acting president of the legislative assembly.

fmln

bombs


Input: simon bolivar and francisco de paula santander gave our armed forces the mission of defending freedom, independence, and democracy.  throughout history, the national army has complied with that mandate.  it has not been an easy task, even less so during the times we are living.  very few nations have had to confront simultaneously so many difficult challenges.  confronted by a combination of sources of disruption, the armed forces have not lost their determiantion and optimism, nor have they stopped for 1 minute to struggle for the reestablishment of tranquillity for the citizens, and for the protection of life, honor, and property of colombians.    as the violence increases, our commitment to democracy and colombia is strengthened.  the price of courage and firmness has been high.  many soldiers, officers, and noncommissioned officers have been killed, but they are the heroes of democracy.  on the occasion of army day, i speak on behalf of the vast national majority and convey to their families, friends, and fellow soldiers our message of encouragement, appreciation, and hope.  their efforts have not been in vain.    the battle to preserve democracy and defeat violence continues.  the determination of colombians does not weaken.  our enemies are alone, as never before, and this we owe to permanent actions by our armed forces.    in the electoral campaign, i offered the colombians a policy of reconciliation based on defined guidelines and clear principles.  this was the democratic mandate that we received from the people.  now, when we are harvesting the results of that strategy, we will not give up.  the peace initiative has showed that it can operate and it will continue to be the framework within which we will conduct political action for national reconciliation.    some believe that to preserve democracy, it is necessary to leave it idle, at the mercy of violence.  others argue that peace can only be achieved if we dismantle our capability to defend democracy.  we do not agree.  the government has confirmed that strengthening democracy and the quest for peace are not only compatible with improving and strengthening the armed forces, but that this is indispensable for advancing the political handling of violence.    efficient, professional armed forces that serve the country are a definite guarantee of the rights of citizens and of peaceful coexistence. that is why this government has made a great administrative and financial effort to return to the military institutions complete freedom of action.    this commemoration of the 170th anniversary of our independence is a suitable time to ponder our duty to the homeland.  i am not referring to daily civic duties, which are proper to all of us colombians, but to something much deeper -- loyalty to democracy and our institutions. democracy's boundaries are broad, but precise.  when violence to a certain extent is tolerated, more violence is created, there is a conspiracy against peace, and conflicts are aggravated.  the entire society has suffered because of the activities of the enemies of colombia.  (passage omitted)     i congratulate the officers, civilian personalities, sergeant amaya alvarez, and private malambo tique, whose merits were acknowledged today in the name of their fellow countrymen and the government.  (applause) this ceremony, in which we honor the heroes of independence and the army, is a suitable occasion to make known to officers, noncommissioned officers, and soldiers alike the nation's recognition of their courageous and professional fulfillment of their duties.  when the armed forces academies parade before us, so will the young men and women who have devoted their lives to serving the homeland and their fellow countrymen.  every honest colombian supports them.    soldiers: you, who wield the nation's arms, represent the basic guarantee that preserves sovereignty, liberty, and our democratic institutions.  thank you.  (applause)


Input: three explosions rocked guatemala city today, leaving at least one dead, five wounded, and vehicles and stores damaged.    the most serious incident was caused by unidentified persons who threw a grenade at a privately owned passenger bus on kilometer 6 of the road linking guatemala city with puerto barrios, on the atlantic coast.  one person was killed and at least five were wounded in the attack.  the fatality was an unidentified woman.    another explosion took place simultaneously in zone 5 of guatemala city, in front of the church of the holy priest of ars, whose parish priest, jose maria ruiz (father chemita), was preparing to say mass.    three vehicles were damaged by this explosion.  this week father chemita, former candidate for mayor of guatemala city, accused alfonso cabrera, former foreign minister and current secretary general of the ruling christian democratic party (pdc), of "having ordered" the killing of pdc leader danilo barillas.    a third explosion occurred on the first floor of a building in guatemala city's zone 9.  several stores were damaged by the blast.

unidentified persons

vehicles

stores

a privately owned passenger bus

the church of the holy priest of ars

building in guatemala city's zone 9

jose maria ruiz

grenade


Input: president augusto pinochet has requested all his ministers of state to resign.  these resignations were tendered in a document signed by each minister and delivered to cabinet chief carlos caceres.    this information was disclosed by minister secretary general of government oscar vargas, who has also resigned, at the end of a council of ministers.    vargas noted that the new cabinet will be sworn in on wednesday, 16 august, at 1800.    the following ministers have resigned in order to run as senatorial candidates during the upcoming elections: labor minister guillermo arthur, who plans to represent the eighth region, and public works minister bruno siebert, who intends to represent the tench region.    economy minister pablo baraona will probably also run for a congressional seat.    minister vargas also said that during the meeting they had discussed the public order.  he asserted that the country is calm, with the exception of terrorist actions by the lautaro movement.


Input: a spokesman for the miners today reported in lima that peruvian soldiers have arrested at least 22 miners, including 4 regional leaders, on the eve of the miners national strike, which is scheduled to begin on 14 august.  there are approximately 100,000 miners in peru.      the spokesman told efe that the soldiers arrested miners at the la oroya, morococha, casa palca, and austria-duvalz mining camps in the central part of the mountain range.  in lima, the police are looking for the main leaders of the miners.    the federation of miners and metalworkers has called a national strike for 14 august to pressure the courts into ruling in favor of a "single national list of demands," which will allow the federation to represent all peruvian miners at the discussions of labor and salary issues.    on friday, 11 august, the peruvian government ordered army soldiers and navy marines to guard mining camps in order to prevent possible attacks and sabotage during the strike, the first this year.    terrorists have attacked several mines lately and have killed approximately 12 miners, including saul cantoral, secretary general of the federation.    the miners went on strike for almost 100 days last year. that strike caused losses estimated at $500 million, one-third of peru's overall mining exports.    the strike will affect central peruvian mining enterprise, the largest state-owned corporation; the u.s. company southern peru copper corporation, which exploits 75 percent of the peruvian copper; and the ilo refinery, the second largest in peru.

terrorists

saul cantoral


Input: article 5 adds: all men from 18 to 50 years of age and women from 18 to 45 years of age are obliged to comply with this law, thus this period of life is called military age.  this means that all 18- to 50-year-old peruvians are of military age, and we are obliged to comply with the compulsory military service law, in the reserve.    therefore, one not only complies with the military service law when one is assigned on active duty to a military garrison for 1 or 2 years, but one continues complying with this law by remaining in the reserve until 50 years of age.    article 272 of the military service law states:  men from 18 to 50 years of age and women between 18 and 45 years of age who are not on active military service all belong to the reserve, and they must comply with the obligations established by clause 4 of this law.    if the law states this, i then ask all peruvians: are not terrorists -- who are part of the armed forces reserves and who take arms to attack the national police and armed forces -- violating the obligatory military service law?  is not he, who by violent means tries to destroy the constitutional system of which the armed forces are part, violating the military service law?    therefore, since article 282 of the constitution states that those who violate the compulsory military service law can be tried by the military code of justice, then terrorists can be tried by military courts.    thus the idea is that one law, one article, should establish that the crime of terrorism violates the military service law, therefore enabling a quick and drastic punishment for terrorists.      it will therefore not be necessary to ammend the constitution.  a correct interpretation of the constitution is all that will be needed.  we must also remember that when the current constitution was approved there was no serious terrorist problem.  besides, you must know that to ammend the constitution we must wait nearly 2 years, and we have no time to waste.    many peruvians think that if military courts try terrorists they will be sentenced to death.  this is false, it is not correct.  the military courts will only rule sentences in keeping with the law, but these sentences will be applied firmly.  this means that criminals will not go unpunished.    i ask all peruvians and all institutions to support this proposal. terrorists must not remain unpunished.  this does not mean that we do not trust the civilian courts.  this means that we must simply interpret the constitution appropriately.  terrorists really do violate their condition as armed forces reserves when they take up arms against the government and the armed forces.    it is therefore our purpose to do things correctly.  the constitution must be interpreted in favor of peru, since it cannot be interpreted in favor of the terrorists.      i am surprised that on the one side people criticize the little action  taken against terrorists, while on the other they do not accept a concrete initiative like this one to punish them.    this is the moment to resume the discussion on this subject before the election campaigns make us forget that we are at war against terrorism.  on the contrary, in order to safeguard the elections we must quickly make all the important decisions and approve strict punishments that will allow us to live in democracy, freedom, peace, and safety. thank you.


Input: defense minister hector hormachea has revealed that the armed forces have asked to be withdrawn from the struggle against drug trafficking because that mission has the direct participation of the police.    ormachea explained that the armed forces' role in drug control will be evaluated by the government and military chiefs before a final decision is made.    ormachea made these comments during his first news conference to talk about the various issues related to his ministry.    he added that the navy and the air force currently carry out a support mission in the struggle against drug trafficking, as the entire task is carried out by the mobil units for rural areas (umopar), which are under the police.    in his first week as the new minister, ormachea held preliminary talks with several military chiefs to get familiar with the armed forces' role in controlling drug trafficking.    he said: "we must carefully study and evaluate the situation to determine the armed forces' degree of participation in the struggle against drug trafficking."    he said that the armed forces wanted to withdraw from the struggle against drug trafficking when it initially began, but they then decided to carry out a support mission.  he added: we are going to study this at the government level, with the president making the final decision on the role of the armed forces.    ormachea also said that internal security is closely linked to how the armed forces are equipped, but also to the development of the country, especially in the poorest zones and border areas.    he said that there has been talk lately about terrorist activities, although the reports have not been very clear.  there were apparently incursions by unidentified armed groups, murder, and other activities that may jeopardize the country's internal security.    ormachea said that internal security and national sovereignty will continue to be the armed forces' main concern.    regarding the presence of foreign military advisors involved in the struggle against drug trafficking, ormaechea noted that "that work will be useful as long as it does not interfere with the work of bolivian organizations."      he concluded by saying that changing the previous defense ministry's policy of administrative centralization of economic resources is a positive step. (passage omitted)


Input: a few minutes ago, there was an attempt on the life of carlos ernesto valencia garcia, superior criminal court judge of bogota.  he is in charge of the investigations of the deaths of guillermo cano, director of the newspaper el espectador, and jaime pardo leal, the president of the patriotic union.  at this time, he and one of his bodyguards are receiving medical attention at the san pedro claver clinic.    we have received a report from diana montoya from the scene of the attack in downtown bogota.    (montoya) judge valencia garcia was shot a few minutes ago here on 13th street and 16th avenue.    judge valencia garcia was apparently traveling home when he was intercepted by four individuals on two motorcycles.  they fled after the attack toward western bogota.    the doctors treating judge valencia garcia have said that he is in critical condition after being shot three times in the head.

individuals on two motorcycles

carlos ernesto valencia garcia


Input: superior criminal court judge carlos valencia garcia died after he was shot today near downtown bogota by two men traveling on two motorcycles, police sources reported.  two members of the judge's escort, members of the secret police, were wounded during the attack, the sources added. the attack took place at approximately 1845 (local time) (2345 gmt) at the intersection of two very crowded avenues.    the judge, 45 years old, married, and the father of three children, was investigating the assassinations of el espectador director guillermo cano, perpetrated in december 1986, and of jaime pardo leal, former president and founder of the left-wing patriotic union, killed on 11 october 1987. kingpins from the drug trafficking medellin cartel and from far right-wing armed organizations were involved in these two crimes.

two men traveling on two motorcycles

carlos valencia garcia


Input: colombia is in utter chaos today.  the country's magistrates resigned today to protest the murder of colombian justice carlos valencia, and a few minutes ago the asonal (national association for the judicial branch) judges also tendered their resignations.  meanwhile, the government is desperately attempting to convince them to go back to their jobs.    today, the 54 magistrates who compose the civil, labor, and penal courts of the bogota superior tribunal tendered their resignations until the government guarantees them safety and protection for their lives so that they can dispense justice in colombia.      the murder of justice carlos valencia garcia led the colombian magistrates to suspend all legal proceedings.  the magistrates of the bogota superior tribunal said they do not want to leave the country but added that they do not want to be the next victims either.    (begin recording) (unidentified judge) we feel we are waging a useless struggle.  we are fighting for ideals that nobody shares.  what we want is for the country to begin to share those ideals.  when that happens, we, the colombian judges, will be willing to give up our lives for those ideals as carlos valencia garcia did. (end recording)    the 22,000 judicial branch employees joined the magistrates' protest. the judicial branch public employees association called for an indefinite strike, beginning today.    (begin recording) (unidentified speaker) the government's promises have been only that, promises.  the truth is that the plan to provide protection, escorts, and armored vehicles has not been implemented.    in addition, we believe that to end this wave of murders the government must show the political resolve to eradicate it.  the government must confront this problem by using our armed forces with due respect for human rights.  as long as that is not done, not only judges, but the best children of colombia, will continue to die.  (end recording)    the wife of the murdered magistrate arrived from guatemala today for the funeral.

carlos valencia garcia


Input: medellin -- antioquia police department chief waldemar franklin quintero was murdered this morning on this city's west side.    the gunmen fired on the police commander when his vehicle stopped for a red light at road 80 and 48th street, near martin rodriguez velodrome, a few blocks away from where the governor of antioquia was murdered on 4 july.      the automatic weapons fire, which lasted over 3 minutes, also seriously wounded one of the agents accompanying col quintero.    according to police sources, the police chief's white nissan pickup, with license plates me-7847, was intercepted by assassins' gray mazda, license plates mi-1630.    a criminal court justice identified the body of the police commander murdered this morning in salasan, on this city's west side.  the police chief was shot in the head several times.      police units and security corps agents have reinforced strategic points in medellin and police checkpoints have been established in the search for the criminals.    a metropolitan police officer has reported that for the past week, police chief quintero had been without a personal escort.  the police chief had explained that he did not want to risk other policemen's lives.  he dismissed his personal escorts, appointing them to other duties.    the police commander's assassination has created a lot of commotion in colombian society.  antioquia governor elena montoya has stated her concern over this new episode of selective violence and pointed out the efforts that the police commander had been making to provide security to the citizens of this region.    metropolitan police chief antonio sanchez has rejected this new act of violence against the police as an institution.  the medellin security council will initiate a special meeting in the next few minutes to analyze the situation.    commander quintero fought drug-trafficking and subversion in antioquia department.  from the moment he became antioquia police commander, quintero became known for his exercise of authority and for designing strategies designed to provide public order.    on several occasions he participated in regional security council meetings where ways to fight crime in antioquia were discussed.    last wednesday he accompanied governor montoya to tolima for a security meeting to discuss the situation in the regions.  at that meeting, measures were established to fight subversion and common criminals.

assassins

waldemar franklin quintero

one of the agents accompanying col quintero

automatic weapons


Input: it was officially reported today that 800 colombian army and police members were taken from bogota on board four planes today and deployed in the city of medellin to reinforce the medellin authorities.    a national police source told efe that the 800 men "are part of a group chosen by the police and army to counterattack crime in medellin."    the deployment was ordered by the police and army high command as a result of the murder of antioquia police chief colonel waldemar franklin quintero today in medellin, colombia's second largest city.      according to eye witnesses, quintero was fired at "incessantly" in a downtown medellin street at 0600 local time (1100 gmt) after his car was intercepted by another vehicle from which various unidentified men got out to commit the crime.    col franklin quintero, considered by his superiors as an implacable enemy of drug traffickers and organized crime, was killed in the action.    the colombian deputy police director, general carlos arturo casadiego, said: "it is no secret that the medellin mafia is responsible for all the crimes" taking place in the country.    quintero's murder joins that of magistrate carlos valencia garcia. who was murdered in bogota on 16 august.  at the time of his murder, valencia was investigating the medellin cartel's chiefs' links.

carlos valencia garcia


Input: fellow countrymen: i am addressing you to explain the measures under the provisions of the state of siege (medidas de estado de sitio) which have been adopted at a time when the nation has justified reasons to feel angry and moved by the serious actions of violence that have taken place in recent days.  unfortunately, luis carlos galan, the liberal party presidential hopeful, was the victim of another attack tonight. senator galan has been taken to a hospital.  let us pray to god that he will recover from his wounds.    the criminal organizations and the narcotics traffickers have unleashed a wave of assassinations and deaths.  there have been attacks against representatives and leaders from all sectors of the country and from all institutions.  high-ranking government officials, several judges, political leaders, soldiers, citizens, and public officials have been the victims of this barbarism.    violence affects all.  it is not an offensive against the government or against justice; it is a war against the country.  therefore, the entire country must respond.  i can understand how the murder of magistrate carlos valencia led the judges of the republic to protest and to request more protection, but for the magistrates and judges to resign only contributes to worsening the situation which we must all solve by working together.  this is also equivalent to yielding to the terrorists who are trying to paralyze the administration of justice.    true heroes such as carlos valencia, waldemar franklin quintero, and other judges, policemen, soldiers, and bodyguards have prevented this by fulfilling their duties without yielding to intimidation or bribery.  i invite all judges of the republic to resume their work.  the government has adopted more measures to protect them, and it will continue to render all the cooperation they require and which is available.  all good colombians must join the efforts.  no more lamentations without true action of cooperation with the authorities.    it is necessary that all forces of the state and of society -- political parties, unions, media, civic organizations -- all serve justice and the struggle against crime.  we must be prepared to endure more sorrow and sufferings.  only if all colombia perseveres in a truly strong and solid manner -- but not just with words -- in the difficult battle against crime, will we be able to banish violence.  (continued)

luis carlos galan


Input: senator luis carlos galan, liberal party presidential hopeful, was shot this evening when he was about to give a speech at main square of soacha, 15 km south of bogota, it was confirmed by police and health authorities.    according to the first reports, at least one man fired on the senator from among those gathered.  the senator is currently at the emergency room of a hospital in bosa, close to soacha.  two other persons were wounded during the attack.

at least one man

luis carlos galan


Input: the medical authorities have reported that luis carlos carlos galan, senator and presidential hopeful, died tonight 2 hours after having been shot in an attack.      galan, 46, was machinegunned together with five other persons who were wounded when he was about to deliver a speech tonight in soacha, near bogota.

luis carlos carlos galan


Input: that measure will be complemented with a decree -- which falls under the provision of the state of siege -- according to which those who with the excuse of carrying out political campaigns or other election activities use weapons or threaten people by other means to obtain support or votes for a specific candidate or list of candidates and according to which those who using those same means prevent a citizen from exercising his right to vote, will be imprisoned for 3 to 6 years and will have to pay a fine equivalent to 10 to 50 times the legal monthly minimum wage.    as for the media, whose role is essential in the maintenance of public order in the country, i would only state that the constitution guarantees them full freedom in times of peace, but they will be held responsible before the law when they attack people's honor, social order, or public tranquillity.  the government will then enforce those laws in accordance with the constitution.    based on special powers, today the government issued other decrees that the national congress approved on a government request.  i will mention only one of those decrees.  this decree amends our penal code.    the public naming of jurors will be eliminated.  organized crime took advantage of that jury appointment system and avoided the action of justice by intimidating jurors.  the new decree reduces formalities and creates roving judges who will have authority throughout the country, thus increasing the flexibility of the judicial system.  those judges will judge any crime that will be given special importance for reasons of public order.    these measures have been carefully studied.  that, however, does not mean they cannot be supplemented in the future if necessary.    when drafting these decrees we, as usual, paid due attention to the honorable supreme court of justice's decisions so that the current decrees follow along with the guidelines of the constitution.    the threat that drug traffickers and organized crime represent justifies the severity of the measures we have adopted.  colombians can be sure we will continue making all the necessary efforts to regain tranquillity in colombia.  i am sure we will overcome these difficulties.  a handful of criminals will not defeat a unified nation that is willing to struggle against crime.    we are certainly experiencing a difficult time.  however, we have experienced even more difficult situations and colombia overcame them.  we must not stray from our path, because that is what the criminals want.  by falling into despair we will be playing the terrorists' game.  if we continue ahead firmly and decisively, we will have much better results. instead of wasting our time in disputes and reciprocal reproaches, let us unite our actions against our common enemy.  we must win this war.  i am sure we will succeed.  good evening and see you soon.


Input: colombian presidential candidates have announced the suspension of their political campaigns.  all the political parties have unanimously rejected the murder of luis carlos galan.  the wave of political murders has left the country in a state of shock.  following are some reactions voiced today at the wake for the murdered liberal candidate:    (begin recording) (conservative party leader alvaro gomez hurtado) the country has been attacked for the past 3 years and it has not accepted this fact.  i have repeatedly asked for a state of siege to be implemented.  at last, the state of siege was declared yesterday.  i have been asking for this for the past 3 years.  galan would not be dead today if the proposal we made 3 years ago would had been accepted.    (former liberal colombian president alfonso lopez michelsen) it was right to call for a reaction from the country; we have to learn to react, and it is necessary to do so. (end recording)

luis carlos galan


Input: general miguel maza, chief of the colombian secret police, warned the country today that the drug traffickers "will continue to shoot," and announced an all-out declaration of war against them.    maza, who 1 month ago escaped miraculously from a car bomb attack staged by the drug mafia, warned about the "war" that the "drug lords" have unleashed against the country, noting that they will continue to fire their weapons.    the police chief declared that the state organizations fighting criminality will struggle against those who seek by their criminal actions to impose their own laws.    also, maza directly accused the drug cartels of being responsible for the chain of assassinations that have shaken the country over the past few days.    "we all know who they are and we are going to fight them," he warned.    the severe measures adopted last night by the government of liberal president virgilio barco, after the killings during the past 72 hours of a judge, a police commander, and presidential hopeful luis carlos galan, will permit the security corps to forcefully confront the wave of violence that has gripped colombia, he declared.

luis carlos galan


Input: argentina has requested the arrest of two well known leaders of the montoneros terrorist group, who are thought to be living in montevideo. their names are: roberto perdia and fernando vaca narvaja, who together with the imprisoned leader mario firmenich were the top chiefs of the montoneros group in argentina.


Input: the colombian-venezuelan border has been declared an emergency area by the colombian security organizations, while the entry of venezuelans to the neighboring territory has been restricted as a result of the security crisis affecting colombia, a caracas newspaper has reported.    while the venezuelan newspapers reported the indignation of all the political parties and people in general caused by the assassination of colombian political leader luis carlos galan, newsmen waited to be allowed to enter colombia.

luis carlos galan


Input: after the assassination of liberal leader luis carlos galan, the 4,015 judges of the country decided to lift the strike they had called on 17 august, following the assassination of a magistrate, and withdrew their resignations.    it is not the moment to go on strike or to resign, jose gabriel salom, president of the supreme tribunal of bogota, stated.  he and 47 colleagues had presented their resignation last friday to protest the assassination of magistrate carlos valencia garcia, presumably by paid assassins of drug traffickers.  valencia garcia had rejected the appeals to exonerate pablo escobar gaviria and gonzalo rodriguez gacha, kingpins of the cocaine trafficking group of the medellin cartel, from the charge that they had masterminded the assassination of journalist guillermo cano, director of the newspaper el espectador, and jaime pardo leal, president of the opposition party patriotic union.    antonio suarez, president of the judicial branch public employees association, announced that the strike has been called off and that nine judges are investigating the assassination of senator galan.      the judicial branch will resume activities on tuesday.  the strike of the judges, compounded by the resignation of some of them, interrupted the consideration of three cases.  the strike was also called to force the government of president virgilio barco to adopt measures to protect the magistrates whose lives have been threatened by organized crime.    among the emergency measures adopted by the government are some that will contribute to helping the judicial branch to confront the threat posed by the death squads of drug traffickers.

paid assassins of drug traffickers

pablo escobar gaviria

gonzalo rodriguez gacha

luis carlos galan

carlos valencia garcia

guillermo cano

jaime pardo leal


Input: this official told you that?  does this official, whose name you do not disclose, have credibility with the government?    (d'aubuisson) allow me to reserve the identity of the source, but he does have much credibility.  he is someone who is very familiar with that movement, and he does have credibility.  the interesting aspect of this is the way this big mangy dog, this mr villalobos, thinks.  if he wants to come here and participate, we'll take his word, and let us see if he will really have a landslide victory.    (reporter) would there be any guarantees for his participation?    (d'aubuisson) didn't i just tell you that the first mangy dogs, ungo and zamora, are already here?  we do have the best of intentions; there is a willingness to do this.  now, if they actually want to do it, that is a different story.  i am just telling you about the first indications we have had, in addition to some notes on the elections that have been sent by some who claim to be commanders.  the overall picture has changed somewhat in the last few years.    (reporter) what is that change, major?      (d'aubuisson) in practically all of the notes they (the fmln commanders) have sent, including the ones sent prior to the elections, they said that if the elections were postponed they would participate. that is an indication that they do have plans to join the process.    (reporter) what does this mean, major?       (d'aubuisson) it means two basic things:  one, they are lost.  the option to seize power through violent means no longer exists.      (reporter) in other words, they are lost in the military field?      (d'aubuisson) they are lost both in the military field and in the option to seize power through violent means.  second, they no longer have the support, and we have been analyzing that for some time now.  there is no longer any support for this type of rebel movement, for this type of armed rebel movement to seize power.    (reporter) you mean support from the ussr?      (d'aubuisson) there is no support from the communist world in general.  naturally, this is based very much on the so-called perestroyka. therefore, they will have to join the democratic process, because otherwise they are going to be left out.  if they want to continue shooting bullets just for the sake of shooting, they are going to be left out of everything and everyone.    (reporter) there is much talk here about forming an internal opposition front; i believe this is part of the "everyone against arena" campaign.  do you have any knowledge about this and the line this internal front might follow?    (d'aubuisson) well, not exactly.  however, it is logical that an internal political front could be formed.  that would be a political process within a democratic process.  it is all right to do that.  they have all the right in the world to do that.    now, there are subversive thoughts.  we are referring to those big mangy dogs who want to take the first steps in joining the democratic process.  on the other hand, they are subversive individuals who are disrupting public order.  if what they want is to cause harm and hinder the programs prepared by president cristiani and his cabinet, they are going to go ahead and do it anyhow.    remember that very simple phrase i told you at the beginning.  they claim that if arena fails, they are the alternative.  that is what the group of ungo, zamora, and all those really thinks.  there is another great possibility, and that is what is really going to happen here: arena will not fail.  the salvadoran people will not fail.  however, they are going to try all the illegal, subversive actions they can to make us fail.  (continued)


Input: once they found out about the situation in the rural areas, harassments and assassinations began so as to get our attention. this was because the communists know that the rural areas have reacted favorably.  they have already reached the conclusion that we are going to be successful in the implementation of the agrarian reform, which should be permanent.  the agrarian reform process can be made in compliance with the laws and the constitution without resorting to violence.  the agrarian reform can be productive, and that is our goal.  the agrarian reform in our country will be made productive.    (reporter) there were reports that peasants were concerned because six cases had been decided in favor of the landowners and the lands were legally turned over to the owners.    (d'aubuisson) i do not know if there were six or more cases.  if we look at it from the legal point of view, serious mistakes were made when the lands were violently occupied.  many lands were improperly occupied.  we have to look at the political aspects of this.  we are looking for solutions for these people.  if they cannot stay on those lands, they can take other lands, because there are about 33 land tracts that have been completely abandoned.  refugees and army families may be brought to those regions. even those who disagree with our agrarian reform plan can go there.  no one will be abandoned.    (reporter) where are those 33 land tracts?      (d'aubuisson) in different parts of the country.    (reporter) in general terms, and to end this interview, do you believe this 5-year period will be one of peace and development in el salvador?      (d'aubuisson) yes, and we are sure that we will win the elections in the first round in 1994.  in this 5-year period we will enjoy the benefits of having an honest government and of being able to express ourselves democratically.  there will be productivity and the people of el salvador will once again feel proud of being salvadorans.  we will no longer need others to donate things to us because we can produce them here.  we will continue working to rescue this ship so that it can sail efficiently.    (reporter) major, we want to thank you for visiting us today and for discussing all of the issues we covered.  it has been interesting to listen to your points of view and those of your party regarding the various issues.    (d'aubuisson) thank you.  this has been an interesting interview.  i will always be willing to come back here and talk to you again.      (reporter) thank you, major, and we thank all our viewers.


Input: eduardo martinez romero, the alleged "comptroller" of the medellin cartel, was captured by colombian authorities today during the raid on a farm in the northern part of the country, it was reported in bogota.    it was learned that the arrest of martinez romero, the most important one since the army and police launched an offensive against the drug trafficking mafia last saturday, occurred on a farm near tolu municipality in sucre department.    about 24 people were also arrested along with the medellin cartel member.  the cartel is the largest world cocaine trafficking organization, which staged a series of violent actions last week.    in fact, mercenaries of that criminal organization assassinated in less than 48 hours, magistrate carlos valencia garcia, antioquia police commander colonel waldemar franklin quintero, and senator and presidential hopeful luis carlos galan, who according to the polls, was the favorite to succeed virgilio barco vargas as president.    martinez romero, one of the drug traffickers most wanted by the u.s. drug enforcement administration (dea), had managed to evade a plan to capture him in panama city last 29 march.    unofficial reports in bogota indicate that the well-known mafia member could be the first to be extradited to the united states, in keeping with the colombian government's new provisions adopted in view of the wave of violence.  these provisions authorize the extradition of drug traffickers to other countries without having to go through the justice tribunals.    according to official reports, more than 11,000 people related to the mafia have been arrested in the intense operations carried out by the colombian army and police, in the largest offensive ever launched by colombian authorities against the drug trafficking bands.    the actions are being carried out especially in the departments of antioquia, cundinamarca, and valle del cauca, where so-called elite patrols have taken over extensive and swank properties owned by pablo escobar gaviria and gonzalo rodriguez gacha, the "drug lords" of the medellin cartel.    reports today indicate that one of the private homes belonging to rodriguez gacha, alias "the mexican," was raided in bogota.

mercenaries of that criminal organization

the medellin cartel

carlos valencia garcia

waldemar franklin quintero

luis carlos galan


Input: argentina has expressed its solidarity with the colombian government and people during today's oas session.  the oas also expressed its "consternation over and repudiation of" the recent terrorist actions in that country, and stressed the "indomitable colombian government decision to fight against drug trafficking and related illegal activities."    the oas held a "special and urgent" session today at the request of colombian ambassador leopoldo villar, who wanted to directly inform his colleagues in that organization about the violent events in his country.    in his speech, the argentine delegate repudiate the criminal attacks that are meant to threaten members of the colombia's judicial branch, especially the murders of carlos valencia garcia, colonel valdemar franklin quintero, and senator and presidential candidate luis carlos galan sarmiento.    according to the text of the speech -- released tonight by the foreign ministry in buenos aires -- the argentine representatives condemned "those terrorist actions that, in attacking democracy and the state of law, violate the principles and objectives of the oas charter and all other instruments of the system organized to defend and strengthen those principles."    in expressing their solidarity with the people and government of colombia against what they called "this tragic situation," the argentine delegates stated that the problem affecting colombia "is a problem for the whole continent, because, as it has been correctly stated, the world of drug trafficking has no borders or frontiers."    the argentine delegation also stated that the solidarity of the oas members must be expressed through "a condemnation of all types of violence and of all criminal terrorism."    it must also be expressed through "the actions intended to vigorously defend representative democracy, of which colombia is a clear example, the essential rights of man, and social justice in the continent."    the oas resolution also reiterates the member countries' condemnation of all activities related to the consumption, production, and trafficking of drugs and psychotropic substances.    it also reaffirms the commitment to struggle against drugs within the framework of the rio de janeiro program for inter-american action and the guatemala declaration (alliance of the americas against drug trafficking).    the ambassadors to the oas also reaffirmed their intention "to intensify the preparation for the meeting of ministers from all member countries, with the goal of reevaluating the current state of the drug problem and adopting concrete measures to eradicate this problem once and for all."

carlos valencia garcia

valdemar franklin quintero

luis carlos galan sarmiento


Input: the staff reporters of the new magazine por que resigned their posts this weekend after receiving death threats.  the former reporters indicated this situation could mean the magazine may close this week.    the reporter indicated that the anonymous threats began on 18 august when they were ordered to leave the country in 72 hours.  these newsmen were forced to resign their jobs, but other reporters, who also received threatening telephone calls, did not.    the former reporters indicated that this is yet another attack on freedom of information and thought since 1 august, when christian democrat ideologue danilo barillas, who wrote columns for the magazine, was murdered.      a few days after barrilla's murder, rolando pineda lam, por que magazine publisher and secretary general of the committee for the creation of the popular alliance party-5, founded by danilo barillas under the name fcd-5 (civic democratic front), had to go into exile.    we have learned that the magazine por que belongs to the talento empresarial company, is edited by asociacion libro exito, inc, and appears every tuesday.    the editorial house decided to suspend publication because of the death threats. so, it is very likely that this news medium will die a few months after it began.    acts of intimidation against the production and administrative staff of the aforementioned magazine occur almost simultaneously with charges by the guatemalan chamber of journalism that the country's independent press is being harassed.

anonymous

danilo barillas


Input: the ecuadoran government has reinforced its border controls along the long area it shares with colombia to impede colombian drug traffickers trying to enter ecuador.  it also announced the extension of its binational agreements to fight the drug mafias.    ecuadoran government and justice minister andres vallejo was called by the opposition parties to appear before congress where he said, "we will take all the necessary steps to stop the violence from spreading into ecuador."      "our public forces are on guard" added vallejo.  he did not rule out the possibility that colombian drug traffickers, whose operation centers are near the border, could try to enter ecuador to escape from the colombian government's offensive after the medellin cartel's recent murders.      vallejo, who is considered to be the strongman of the ecuadorean regime, stated that "ecuador is forewarned of the danger," but he did not, however, anticipate what measures would be taken by president rodrigo borja's administraton to improve its border controls.    in the past years, colombian drug traffickers have purchased farms in ecuador to establish their operation centers, and it has been noticed that ecuadoran ports are being used increasingly to ship drugs to the united states and western europe.  the minister added "we are fighting drug trafficking very strongly."


Input: attention: here is a last minute report.  gloria congotti has just arrived at our studios from the dijin (directorate of judicial police and investigations) with video clips of five men suspected of killing liberal presidential candidate luis carlos galan sarmiento. their names are armando bernal acosta, norberto murillo chalata, pedro zambrano delgado, luis alfredo gonzalez chacon, and luis hasbun.    the five suspects were arrested at 4-a road, no 1978, in mezzanine 1, bogota, where an office supposedly operated.  they are currently being held at the dijin facilities.  according to authorities, their features coincide with the composite sketch prepared by the judicial police based on the descriptions given by witnesses.    the individuals suspected of killing luis carlos galan sarmiento last friday will be turned over to the third public order court, which will be in charge of investigating this crime that has shaken colombia and the entire world.      if anyone who was present at the soacha square friday night recognizes anyone of these suspects, please call dijin.  of course, the names of those who call will be kept secret.

armando bernal acosta

norberto murillo chalata

pedro zambrano delgado

luis alfredo gonzalez chacon

luis hasbun

luis carlos galan sarmiento


Input: the colombian defense ministry gave the media its first report on the antidrug operations it has carried out in the country after a police colonel, a judge, and candidate senator luis carlos galan were murdered last week.      the report indicated that 817 properties in colombia have been raided, 10,777 persons have been arrested, and 678 weapons, and 4,000 kg of cocaine paste have been confiscated since friday, 18 august.    government officials also confiscated 110 kg of cocaine, 1,161 vehicles, 30 boats, 13 motorcycles, 42 communication equipments, and more than 3,000 cartridges of different calibers.  it was also reported that 62 planes and 18 helicopters were grounded.    a total of 141 properties, as well as 5,222 farm animals, supposedly belonging to drug traffickers, were also seized.    the defense ministry's information director colonel eduardo arevalo, stated that operations continue and that the government will continue to search for the big drug "capos." according to unofficial reports, the "capos" have already fled from colombia because of the strong government offensive against them.    arevalo stated, that "the citizens' support has been decisive in the success of the armed forces' operations" and that he was confident that the flow of information would allow new victories in the struggle against drugs.    meanwhile, a hundred aircraft of all types were being inspected with dogs trained to detect drugs at the el dorado international airport in bogota tonight. the civil aeronautics directorate has advised all the aircraft owners that they must prove that they do not have any links to drug trafficking within the next 7 days.    the same office has reported that the same measure will be applied to other airports in the country in the coming hours.    concluding, the government issued a decree tonight that goes into immediate effect.  the decree authorizes military and police officials to suspend the operation of telecommunications equipment that operate without the authorization of the communications ministry.  the equipment is to be confiscated and sent to the said ministry.

luis carlos galan


Input: stepping up surveillance along the border with colombia and president carlos andres perez' warning that the struggle against drug trafficking must be strengthened are venezuela's visible reactions to the wave of violence in the neighboring country, which resulted in the death of liberal party leader luis carlos galan.    meanwhile, it was learned that eduardo martinez romero, recently arrested in colombia and one of the leaders of the medellin cartel responsible for the organization's finances, was trying to purchase land in venezuela to expand the activities of the organization.    according to perez, the activities of the drug traffickers could be moved to venezuelan territory.  the venezuelan president stressed the need to adopt strong measures against such a possibility.  "the venezuelan people must unite in this battle," the head of state said.  he also announced that venezuela will support colombia by stepping up surveillance along the border.    in this sense, venezuelan defense minister general filmo lopez uzcategui announced the creation of "task forces" that will be deployed along venezuela's western border.  these task forces will carry out intelligence activities and support the military units stationed in the area.    the minister rejected the possibility of paramilitary personnel being recruited to form the "task forces" and added that incidents like the one that occurred in el amparo on the border with colombia last year when a group of soldiers murdered 17 fishermen will not be repeated.    "we are trying to keep drug traffickers from entering the country to continue their criminal activities, the minister said.    according to statements made by sources stationed along the colombian - venezuelan border, and carried in today's edition of el nacional, medellin cartel treasurer martinez romero wanted to buy land in zulia and tachira, two venezuelan states, to expand the organization's criminal activities.    according to zulia state governor ismael ordaz, the security corps have been alerted in light of the possibility that the drug trafficking "capos" may have fled into venezuela as a result of the persecution unleashed in colombia following the murder of luis carlos galan on 18 august.

luis carlos galan


Input: the government's struggle against the drug cartels continues.  the operations carried out by the authorities in medellin have resulted in 70 raids.  houses, farms, discotheques, and apartments reportedly owned by pablo escobar gaviria have been seized by the authorities; 921 persons have been arrested, 2 of whom face charges that merit their extradition.    the offensive launched by the military authorities against drug traffickers throughout the country has been particularly effective in antioquia department.  hours after learning about the measures adopted by the government to counter drug traffickers, regional authorities launched a large-scale plan to carry out raids and confiscations, and to set up road blocks.    twenty-two properties -- including farms, discotheques, buildings, and restaurants -- were seized under the charges that they were owned by members of the medellin cartel.  the most outstanding cases include the monaco building -- which was almost destroyed during a dynamite attack last year, was being repaired, and had practically been restored to its former splendor -- gama building, international discotheque, cama suelta discotheque fortaleza del lauro discotheque, and don mateo discotheque, undoubtedly the most luxurious in the city.    several farms were also seized, including el bizcocho farm, where several weapons caches were found, and las aguilas farm, because the value of its furniture and appliances surpass 3 billion pesos.  the main characteristic in all the confiscated properties is their luxury and eccentricism, thus making their total value incalculable.    the authorities also seized weapons, vehicles, and communications equipment.  the first report indicates 921 persons were arrested but the figure could be higher, given the operations carried out in recent hours. the arrested persons include two who reportedly face enough charges to guarantee their extradition.    meanwhile, another person has been arrested in connection with international drug trafficking operations.  she is ana elena beatriz rodriguez, who is the third extraditable person sought by u.s.  authorities in connection with money laundering.  she was captured in cartagena.    the colombian army's raids on properties reportedly owned by drug traffickers still continue.  two new farms located within the mountain range in palmira municipality jurisdiction were recently seized by the armed forces.  la ruiza farm, a synonym for ostentation and luxury, is a recreation center owned, according to the authorities, by ramiro correa. people visiting the farm could enjoy the pools, surrounded by luxury rugs, jacuzzis, a tennis court, bars, exotically decorated bedrooms, and a fountain in the middle of the living room.    the authorities seized a sizeable amount of weapons, communication equipment, bullet-proof vests, ammunition for rifles, grenades brought from israel, military uniforms, and infra-red sights -- which not even the army has -- at el rosal farm, located  in the area of potrerillos.  the authorities also seized motorcycles smuggled into the country.  most of the valley was visible from a lookout tower, probably for security reasons or for entertainment purposes.  the main attraction at the farm were trained high- stepping colombian horses. the owners of these farms have yet to be arrested, and there is still no information on their whereabouts.  the value of these properties is calculated in more than 100 billion pesos.    the authorities continue to deal blows to the drug traffickers in atlantico department.  bernardo londono quintero, a native of pereira and accused of being a member of the medellin cartel, was captured early this morning north of barranquilla.  the authorities are currently investigating londono's activities because he is apparently sought by the u.s. authorities.  furthermore, the barranquilla authorities have arrested alberto orlandes gamboa, a 34-year-old native of barranquilla who is considered another extraditable person. the authorities confiscated his wine-colored toyota land cuiser and a browning 9-mm pistol.s everal raids are currently under way in northern barranquilla at residences presumably owned by drug traffickers.


Input: judges and judicial employees today lifted the strike they began on 17 august following magistrate carlos valencia garcia's murder.    the decision was made in exchange for the government's acceptance of 10 points, the most relevant being the establishment of security systems for judges and their families, a special system of pensions, and a commission's meeting with president virgilio barco.    meanwhile, most of bogota's higher court members who resigned are still awaiting a reply from the supreme court of justice.

carlos valencia garcia


Input: former government minister cesar gaviria trujillo was unanimously proclaimed today presidential candidate for the new liberalism (movement within the liberal party).    gaviria, who became one of the major contenders for the presidency overnight, spoke today.    gaviria experienced one of the most important moments of his political career when he was nominated candidate of the new liberalism movement.  it is also perhaps one of the most difficult times in his personal life because he received the banners of luis carlos galan, who was killed last friday. he said the death of the leader cannot be used to eliminate the system of consulting with the people, which was his greatest political achievement. he said former president julio cesar turbay ayala is willing to issue special a resolution to allow the registration of the new candidacy.    (begin recording) (gaviria) if you all support me in this effort, in the midst of this great responsibility, in the midst of the crisis in our institution that is endangering our democracy, i am sure just as you are that we are going to be successful.  i am not talking about the elections, but i am talking about making colombia successful.  luis carlos galan will guide us from heaven so that we can make colombia better. (end recording)     he said that even though he is afraid he will still go out to public places to fight terrorism.  he said he is willing to respect the rules of the game of the new liberalism.  gaviria will now have full authority to appoint members of his campaign.    even though it was not easy for some of galan's friends to accept the new leader of their movement, they know that galan is no longer here, and gaviria is the new leader.

luis carlos galan


Input: a violent offensive seems to have been launched by persons who are being sought throughout the country.  several explosive devices were placed at different sites in medellin (words indistinct) a message, which radio caracol will read for its listeners:    23 august 1989 the extraditables and the people whose properties have been confiscated state the following to the colombian people:      1.  we have been asking the government for peace since the talks in panama in 1984.  a lot of violence could have been avoided.    2. we accepted the peace plan proposed by president barco but we received no reply from the government.    3.  the only reply we have received from the government has been repression, arbitrary (words indistinct) unjust arrest of our relatives, looting of our houses.    4.  all kinds of juridical violations have been perpetrated against us.    5.  the government has bribed justice with (words indistinct), diplomatic sinecures, and trips abroad.    6.  the actions of confiscation are nothing new; they have always prevailed in our country.  (words indistinct) were unjustly arrested and imprisoned, even though no arrest warrants had been issued against them, and many of our properties and possessions were arbitrarily confiscated or usurped.    7.  colombian citizens charged with money laundering have been extradited and will be extradited, although this represents a violation of colombian laws.      8.  we always were, are, and will be willing to engage in dialogue but we will not lower our guard and we will continue our struggle and widespread war against traitors and turncoats.    9.  we declare a widespread and total war on the government, the industrial and political oligarchy, the journalists who have attacked and mistreated us, judges who have been bribed by the government, the extraditing magistrates, the business organization presidents, and all those who have persecuted us in the past.    10.  we will not respect the families of those who have not respected our families. we will kill them, and we will burn and destroy the oligarchy's industries, properties, and mansions.    (signed) the extraditables.

the extraditables and the people whose properties have been confiscated

explosive devices


Input: police in this capital today reported that four bombs exploded in the city of medellin early this morning, killing one man and causing damage estimated in the millions to two political party offices and to the country homes of two political leaders of antioquia department, 500 km northwest of bogota.    jose oscar marin, 32, was killed when 20 kg of dynamite exploded at the headquarters of the new liberalism party, whose leader is the recently murdered senator and presidential hopeful luis carlos galan sarmiento.    a second bomb exploded at the headquarters of the opposition social conservative party, also located in downtown medellin, causing severe damage.    the police said that the country homes of leader ignacio velez escobar and former cabinet minister edgar gutierrez castro in sabaneta and el retiro municipalities, respectively, antioquia department, were similarly attacked by the terrorists.      in its initial report the police admitted that the wave of bombings could be linked to the government's week-long nationwide offensive against the drug trafficking mafia.

drug trafficking mafia

country home

headquarters of the new liberalism party

the headquarters of the opposition social conservative party

jose oscar marin

luis carlos galan sarmiento

ignacio velez escobar

edgar gutierrez castro

bomb

20 kg of dynamite


Input: well-known banker ramiro castillo love was murdered today by a group of unidentified persons who riddled him with machinegun fire as he was leaving his residence in an elegant suburb in the southern part of this city.    according to the police, approximately six unidentified persons bearing arms went to his residence this morning with the intention of robbing or kidnapping castillo.  castillo resisted, however, and was shot to death. the attackers also wounded castillo's son.      after murdering castillo the attackers jumped into one of castillo's vehicles and fled.    castillo was the president of the banco industrial, the largest private bank in guatemala.      it was also reported today that unidentified persons kidnapped a young couple, silvia azurdia and victor rodriguez, as they were leaving their home in guatemala city.  both azurdia and rodriguez are university students.    azurdia is the daughter of freddy azurdia, the director of a local radio news program called "comando informativo."

a group of unidentified persons

unidentified persons

ramiro castillo love

silvia azurdia

victor rodriguez


Input: as a result of colombian presidential hopeful luis carlos galan's murder, presidential candidates' security in public appearances has become a major issue.    following are the minimum security measures that presidential candidates must take into account to protect themselves and save their lives when endangered.    from now on supporters of any presidential candidate must understand that they will have to abide by the following security measures during their candidates' public appearances.    measures for candidates     1. all candidates will have to place themselves in the hands of their guardian angels, in other words to their chief escort.  the chief escort and the candidate will jointly plan each tour and will program all movements in detail and follow the program to the letter.    the candidate must inform the chief escort of his agenda and of any threat or indication of danger he receives.  the candidate must use his escorts exclusively for his protection and for no other use.    2. a candidate's escorts must know the candidate's bloodtype, his illnesses, and which medicine he takes.  the escorts must also know the names of the candidate's closest friends.    3. the candidate must learn what to do in an emergency situation.  his escorts will teach him what to do.    4. no one should be surprised if the candidates change their plans at the last minute.  the candidate must not fall into a routine.  he must change routes, schedules, and programs always in consultation with his chief escort.    5. the candidate must always have a doctor in his group.      6. each candidate will have to bear an extra burden.  he will have to wear a heavy and suffocating bullet-proof vest.  supporters, please take that into account.    7. a public rally in an open place at night can be deadly for your candidate.  please exclude any such rallies from your plans.    8. say no to the use of firecrackers and powder kegs during demonstrations.  such things confuse escorts and security corps.    9. supporters, please understand that crowds who want to shake candidates' hands or touch them can be deadly.  escorts should not allow such things.    10. candidates will have to limit their walks in public places and reduce their social activities to the minimum.  candidates will visit their friends at unusual hours.    this is how security will be handled from now on.  all these measures have turned candidates into men with limitations.  their supporters must understand their candidates' situation.  candidates are men under the dictatorship of their guardian angels who look after their safety in times of rage.

luis carlos galan