Input: the arce battalion command has reported that about 50 peasants of various ages have been kidnapped by terrorists of the farabundo marti national liberation front (fmln) in san miguel department.  according to that garrison, the mass kidnapping took place on 30 december in san luis de la reina.  the source added that the terrorists forced the individuals, who were taken to an unknown location, out of their residences, presumably to incorporate them against their will into clandestine groups.    meanwhile, three subversives were killed and seven others were wounded during clashes yesterday in usulutan and morazan departments.  the atonal battalion reported that one extremist was killed and five others were wounded during a clash yesterday afternoon near la esperanza farm, santa elena jurisdiction, usulutan department.    it was also reported that a soldier was wounded and taken to the military hospital in this capital.    the same military unit reported that there was another clash that resulted in one dead terrorist and the seizure of various kinds of war materiel near san rafael farm in the same town.    in the country's eastern region, military detachment no.4 reported that a terrorist was killed and two others were wounded during a clash in la ranera stream, san carlos, morazan department.  an m-16 rifle, cartridge clips, and ammunition were seized there.    meanwhile, the 3d infantry brigade reported that ponce battalion units found the decomposed body of a subversive in la finca hill, san miguel.  an m-16 rifle, five grenades, and material for the production of explosives were found in the same place.  the brigade, which is headquartered in san miguel, added that the seizure was made yesterday morning.     national guard units guarding the las canas bridge, which is on the northern trunk highway in apopa, this morning repelled a terrorist attack that resulted in no casualties.  the armed clash involved mortar and rifle fire and lasted 30 minutes.  members of that security group are combing the area to determine the final outcome of the fighting.

terrorists

terrorist

farabundo marti national liberation front

las canas bridge

rifle

mortar


Input: according to statements made by a salvadoran officer today, despite the change in the leadership of the salvadoran air force, the air force will continue its normal activities.    the salvadoran air force maintains the same operational level it has had for the last 10 years, despite the removal of its top commander, jaun rafael bustillos, this week.    paratrooper battalion commander major rene rodriguez hurtado said today that the air force will continue to obey the orders of the general staff and to maintain a similar operational level.    (rodriguez) "we know general villamariona (new air force commander) enough to know that we will continue with our battalion's attacks on all the terrorist criminals' redoubts.  we depend directly on the general staff, since it is the strategic head of the entire army.  the general staff gives us our orders to launch our operations."    major rodriguez hurtado today denied that salvadoran air force planes had entered nicaraguan territory as the sandinist government said last week. maj rodriguez hurtado said that salvadoran air force planes have never entered the neighboring teritory of nicaragua.    (rodriguez) "i can tell you that those were neither salvadoran nor honduran planes.  in my opinion, the sandinists want to invent an excuse to continue helping the fmln (farabundo marti national liberation front).  ours and the honduran planes are small planes.  i do not think that honduran planes entered nicaraguan territory.  those communists are trying to invent an excuse to continue helping the fmln terrorist criminals."    maj. rodriguez made these statements during the presentation of a number of weapons confiscated by the paratroopers battalion on 4 january.    (rodriguez) "here we have 12 rifles, 11 ar-15 rifles and 1 ak-47 rifle; 4,000 cartridges, of which 2,000 are for m-16 machine guns and 2,000 for ak-47 rifles; 36 cartridges of an unknown caliber-- military intelligence has already been informed of this discovery; and i (icon) radio of the type used by the leaders of the terrorist groups."    the weapons were found at el nispero creek near the sacamil neighborhood. among the confiscated weapons were cartridges of unknown make.  this is appparently the first time the army has found that type of cartridge. maj rodriguez hurtado said that military intelligence will proceed to establish the origin of these cartridges and the weapons for which they are intended.


Input: the government junta yesterday approved a draft bill to "modify law 18314, which defines terrorist activities and establishes penalties."  the bill will restrict the application of the law to the most serious cases and will leave other crimes, that were formerly considered terrorist activity, for trial under common law.    the new bill accepts the possibility in some cases of a prisoner being released on bail or receiving a pardon or amnesty.  the bill also establishes other benefits not contemplated by law 18314, including a new proceedings for speedier trials. (passage omitted)    according to retired general fernando torres silva, who is the army judge advocate general, the modifications establish lighter sentences, freedom on bail, and possible pardons or amnesties.  these benefits were not contemplated under the former antiterrorist law.    as an example torres cited that "sentences of individuals tried as accomplices will be lower.  they will receive lower sentences than that previously contemplated."    the new bill will also allow a great number of people who are being tried by the interior ministry to go out on bail.    according the general attorney's office, more than 1,000 prisoners might benefit from the modifications.


Input: goodbye (air force commander) general rafael bustillo, false hope for mass killers.  gen.  bustillo resigns or is made to resign as the air force chief.  because of this, the general is admitting that without the bombing on san salvador's neighborhoods the fmln (farabundo marti national liberation front) would have defeated the salvadoran armed forces.  bustillo's resignation is yet another sign of the failure of 10 years of the u.s. counterinsurgency policy in el salvador, as became clear with the offensive launched on 10 november.    for 10 years the military and their u.s. sponsors based their trust in the air power to drown in blood the aspiration of the nation to achieve democracy and social justice.  this first happened in the interior of the country, with the destruction of dozens of towns like tenancingo, berlin, torola, san fernando, and so many others that took place along with the genocide carried out by the infantry with the mass murders of civilians in el mosoto, sunpul, and ocotapayo.  bustillo is leaving as so many generals and u.s. ambassadors have.  and like all of them his departure reveals the imperialist power's failure to consolidate its counterinsurgency program in el salvador.    as all the others who have left, bustillo also seeks excuses in the face of his failure, by accusing others.  he accuses (former defense minister eugenio) vides casanova of being soft in fighting the people's plan.  one would have to ask bustillo if the air force, of which he represented its most encouraging pillar, was soft when it murdered 70,000 salvadorans, monsignor arnulfo romero and the jesuit priests included, and even when it murdered patriot officers of that same army.  was the u.s. pentagon soft when it gave $3 billion, weapons, and bombs for the most cowardly act of genocide latin america can recall this century?    the u.s. strategy, implemented through the top military command in the past 10 years with all its might did all it could so that the permanent rebellion in the rural areas reached the country's vital centers, as indeed happened as of the 10 november offensive.  bustillo states it clearly.    the bombing temporarily halted the defeat of the top command.  through an act of genocide, it managed to remove the disgruntled people from the neighborhoods where the guerrilla forces were.  bustillo acknowledges genocide is the sole way the armed forces can survive.  bustillo acknowledges the fmln's strength and therefore urges the armed forces to be tougher and inflexible and rejects a political solution to the conflict.  a political solution would express the consensus among the country's major sectors.  obviously the top command represents a decadent minority. bustillo supports launching a fascist crusade against the people's wish for democracy.  in this effort, he lashes out at the catholic church, all opposition sectors that report human rights violations, and all sectors that support democratizing the country.  in conclusion, we say that bustillo is not resigning of his own volition.  the fmln action eliminated bustillo as it eliminated garcia, vides, and so many other military chiefs who left their posts without fulfilling the task commissioned by the united states: to stop the fmln.    the fmln offensive bared the genocidal, antipopular, and fascist nature of the alfredo cristiani regime to such an extent that it prompted a strong debate in the united states on cutting military aid.  the jesuits' murders and the bombings so shook the international community that it is pressuring for punishment of the officers involved in these incidents.  however, the bush administration accepted this, since colonel rene emilio ponce (chairman of the joints chiefs of staff) and his clique, even cristiani, must shoulder this responsibility.  we must not forget that in costa rica the salvadoran defense minister disclosed cristiani authorized the bombings.    bush needed a scapegoat to place it on the altar of the debates which will begin in the u.s. congress on the fate of military aid.  bustillo is bush's scapegoat.  however, bustillo was already a useless element of the murderous machinery that remains active.  will the u.s. public and congress be appeased with this foul tasting candy?  time and the spirit of the times are obviously running against the fascist program in el salvador.  while peoples of the world tear down dogmas, dictatorships, and walls, bustillo, who leaves through the door of defeat, asks the armed forces to be tougher, commit more genocide, and build more walls of repression against the church, the people, and the nation as a whole.  goodbye, gen. bustillo.  we continue writing history without you.  the decade we begin is of democracy, independence, and self-determination.  that is why foreign intervention and the walls of intolerance have a short life span in this country, where the people grow in heroism and the struggle for social change is not deterred by bombings.

air force

arnulfo romero


Input: a war bulletin indicates that on 6 january at 1625, fmln (farabundo marti national liberation front) troops clashed with the cavalry company in finca santa elena, santa tecla, near san salvador, killing three and wounding four enemy troops, including the patrol leader who was among those killed.  our troops seized an m-14 rifle from the enemy, 3,000 cartridges for a 7.62-mm rifle, five knapsacks, six grenades, and field equipment.


Input: the salvadoran army today prevented the occupation of cities in the eastern part of el salvador, waging strong clashes between midnight and dawn, according to reports by military sources.    the attacks, according to the reports, took place in usulutan, usulutan department, 110 km east of the capital, and in santa elena where as of 0700 clashes were still under way.  santa elena is located 119 km east of the capital, and both cities are coffee regions.    in usulutan, 6th brigade troops and rapid deployment battalions repelled the incursion with artillery fire.  during the 2d week of december, there had been strong clashes on the outskirts of usulutan, in what the guerrillas called the "battle of el nisperal," in the canton that bears the same name, which cost the army 29 dead, although it has only admitted to 21 deaths.    in santa elena the clashes were also strong, but so far there have been no reports of casualties on either side.    from san vicente, in the central part of the country, where the chichontepec volcano is located, strong clashes were reported, and the 5th brigade bombed rebel positions on the colcano, where the fmln has strong bastions.    the 1st infantry brigade is carrying out operations in northern san salvador.  and on the outskirts of the capital this morning powerful explosions, characterized as military actions to prevent rebels from gathering, could be heard.  the night before last, there were attempts to enter the capital from that direction.    the army has increased its surveillance to prevent mobilizations, and through careful searches vehicles are being controlled at the capital city's entrances and exits.    in other actions, the armed forces press committee reported at least six fmln deaths in various parts of the country.    last night there were fewer attacks on stores and electric towers in the capital.  there were also threats of power rationing if these actions continued.

stores

electric towers


Input: the deployment of u.s.  ships, including the aircraft carrier "john f. kennedy" and the corvette "virginia" along the colombian coast yesterday, seeking to intercept drug trafficking routes, could be the result of three policies:    first, that the united states needs to justify the invasion of panama under the excuse of its fight against drug trafficking.    second, that both the deployment of ships and the invasion of panama are part of a serious military plan to end the drug plague.    third, that the united states must somehow justify the invasion of panama and the need to recover its international image has provided a real opportunity to put an end to drug trafficking.    if the objective really is to eliminate drugs, then the battle is praiseworthy, but--like in panama--the procedure is painful, overbearing, imperialistic, and humiliating.  instead of winning the latin american countries' appreciation and solidarity with this laudable cause, the united states is again provoking angry reactions and deep distrust.  the side effects of this action could be very negative for the struggle against drug trafficking, in which all the countries of this continent should be cooperating.  alternatively, would it be better if they did not cooperate in this phase?    could it be that what we have called imperialistic clumsiness, insensibility, and abuse, is simply a deliberate strategy with which, perhaps for well founded reasons and even at the risk of diplomatic conflicts, the united states seeks to isolate latin america on purpose and thus ensure the success of its operation?  if this were the case then we must ask, why?    from its operations in panama and colombia, the united states is telling us that it is not concerned with the diplomatic aspect for the time being. the united states wants action and efficiency.  the united states is losing its patience, and perhaps its confidence in the seriousness and capability of latin america to face this war.    if the action in colombia goes further than a mere surveillance, the united states will be establishing a precedent in this battle against drug trafficking.  this means that during a first phase the united states will carry out a military operation by itself.  during a second phase it will discuss secondary subjects but with less urgency in the war against drug trafficking.    next 15 february, bush will meet in cartagena de indias, colombia, with his colombian, peruvian, and bolivian counterparts.  perhaps on that occasion they will talk about the other aspects of this war: the reorganization of the local economies to end the dependency on coca plantations, the recovery of drug addicts, and the consolidation of governments, etc.    during this current phase, however, the united states wishes to act alone. who knows if it is because of latin america's lack of understanding?  as we said a few days ago, the drug trafficking problem is creating new situations in international relations.  the u.s. proposal is probably something like: could a world power like the united states continue to ignore a serious problem like the production, distribution, and consumption of drugs, merely to avoid harming latin american sensibilities, sensibilities of countries whose governments are always muddled up in useless diplomatic and bureaucratic procedures and fruitless negotiations?  and all this while a large part of the developed world's population is becoming addicted to a deadly product?    the united states could also be asking itself: have the latin american governments been able to solve this serious problem by themselves?  can those governments stop drug trafficking when it is known that drugs and corruption go hand in hand; when in the past and perhaps in the present, high ranking government officials have been linked with this illegal trade and protecting the medellin cartel chiefs?  why, for example, after all this hasn't the colombian government managed to extradite the main chiefs of that cartel to the united states?    let us recall the horrible explosion of the colombian airliner, in which more than 100 people died; the bomb explosion in the secret police headquarters in bogota; the murder of many journalists who were engaged in an heroic war against drug trafficking; and mainly, let us recall the ever-present difficulties that must be faced when the medellin cartel chiefs must be punished and extradited.


Input: ricardo alfonso castellar, mayor of achi, in the northern department of bolivar, who was kidnapped on 5 january, apparently by army of national liberation (eln) guerrillas, was found dead today, according to authorities.    castellar was kidnapped on 5 january on the outskirts of achi, about 850 km north of bogota, by a group of armed men, who forced him to accompany them to an undisclosed location.    police sources in cartagena reported that castellar's body showed signs of torture and several bullet wounds.    castellar was kidnapped by eln guerrillas while he was traveling in a boat down the cauca river to the tenche area, a region within his jurisdiction.    in cartagena it was reported that castellar faced a "revolutionary trial" by the eln and that he was found guilty and executed.    castellar is the second mayor that has been murdered in colombia in the last 3 days.    on 5 january, carlos julio torrado, mayor of abrego in the northeastern department of santander, was killed apparently by another guerilla column, also belonging to the eln.    torrado's son, william; gustavo jacome quintero, the departmental government secretary; and bodyguard jairo ortega, were also killed.    the group was traveling in a 4-wheel drive vehicle between cucuta and the rural area known as campanario when their vehicle was blown up by four explosive charges that detonated on the highway.

group of armed men

guerilla column

army of national liberation

4-wheel drive vehicle

ricardo alfonso castellar

carlos julio torrado

torrado's son, william

gustavo jacome quintero

jairo ortega

four explosive charges


Input: the national army was involved in new clashes within the past few hours with farc (revolutionary armed forces of colombia) and the eln (army of national liberation) in the rural area of yondo in antioquia's middle magdalena region.    spokesmen for the 5th brigade reported 5 soldiers killed, several wounded, and at least 12 rebel casualties.    the exodus of peasants from that region continued to increase today according to official reports.  the peasants walked away from their properties to avoid becoming victims of the clashes.


Input: president alan garcia has confirmed that the u.s.  troops that surrounded our diplomatic mission in panama were withdrawn after a former minister surnamed cordova left the embassy.  the military man, who is involved in a murder trial, left the peruvian embassy as soon as he learned that the embassy considered him persona non grata.    (begin recording) (garcia) i think journalists have magnified the issue a bit.  as far as we know, people sought protection....(changes thought) someone arrives at the door of the embassy and asks for refuge in view of a situation of force.  the situation in panama is abnormal; it has been totally invaded by 30,000 soldiers.    some persons entered the embassy.  at least one of them had been allegedly linked with the death of a panamanian minister, a mr spadafora, who was murdered. the authorities of the embassy and of the foreign ministry stated that this person's presence was undesirable.  we do not refuse to grant refuge--a condition that is granted before granting political asylum--to whomever feels harassed or mistreated.  in a case like this, however, in which there was an alleged involvement in a murder which was committed years ago, this person--i believe he is a man surnamed cordova, apparently a highranking panamanian guard officer--was told that his presence was not wanted.  he left the embassy of his own will.    there are other panamanian defense forces officers at the embassy, including mr noriega's secretary, but their status should be established by peru.    an incident was reported yesterday, as the u.s. troops surrounded the embassy, deploying barriers and barbed wire.    there was an attempt to depict a dramatic and spectacular picture of a siege or perhaps of an invasion of the embassy.     fortunately, the foreign ministry resorted to diplomatic channels and the troops were soon withdrawn. (end recording)


Input: authorities have reported that former peruvian defense minister general enrique lopez albujar died today in lima as a consequence of a terrorist attack.    lopez albujar, former army commander general and defense minister until may 1989, was riddled with bullets by three young individuals as he was getting out of his car in an open parking lot in a commercial center in the residential neighborhood of san isidro.    lopez albujar, 63, was driving his own car without an escort.  he was shot eight times in the chest.  the former minister was rushed to the air force hospital where he died.

three young individuals

enrique lopez albujar


Input: here is an official defense ministry communique:    1. at 0945 this morning, a group of subversives conducted an armed terrorist attack against former defense minister divison general enrique lopez albujar, retired.    2. the victim was taken to the air force hospital where he unfortunately passed away.    3. the authorities are investigating the attack, and they are conducting the appropriate operations to capture the criminals.    (dated and signed) lima, 9 january 1990.  defense ministry communications office.

group of subversives

enrique lopez albujar


Input: the catholic church has expressed satisfaction with the investigations in the case of the murdered jesuits and is encouraging the government to continue to search for the perpetrators of this crime.    monsignor gregorio rosa chavez today stated that the catholic church is pleased with the progress of the investigations regarding the murder of the jesuit priests.  he said that if the soldiers involved in the killing are punished, the government will not only earn international prestige, but will lay the groundwork to consolidate the administration of justice in el salvador.    rosa chavez said that if the killing is solved, the period of impunity that has tarnished the judicial system and covered up a number of crimes to which justice has not been applied will end.    (begin recording) (rosa chavez) it seems that the president should be recognized for having had the courage to keep his promise to conduct a thorough investigation.  we understand that he has not yet revealed the details of this crime but that he will do so soon.    however, i want to say something that has not been said: the church is not interested in learning who the murderers are just for the truth to come out.  the church wants this punishment to mean that impunity has ended in el salvador; that the poor will feel certain that justice will prevail for them; that so many crimes that have been forgotten will be solved little by little; but mainly, that from now on, crimes will no longer go unsolved. (end recording)    msgr rosa chavez added that the tone of verbal violence must be lowered since this only results in a useless confrontation and promotes a polarization of the conflict, as well as hinders any effort to apply justice.  he said that the verbal war is as harmful as irrational violence. he said that irresponsible charges and accusations continue in the country, and they do not help strengthen the peace process.    (begin recording) (rosa chavez) it is important to overcome verbal violence.  this means that a calm climate, a climate that is as impartial as possible, must be sought to discuss issues.  we recall that last year, many violent statements were made.  many harsh expressions were uttered.  (words indistinct) too many heated statements printed in some newspapers.  the language used is too harsh.  i think that to obtain justice, we need a calmer climate. (end recording)    he added that a climate of serenity and respect would facilitate the right conditions for a dialogue that would guarantee mechanisms to reconcile our society.  he urged the government and the judicial authorities to continue making progress in the review of the judicial system to reorganize it in a way that will allow the honest adminstration of justice to do away with impunity.

soldiers


Input: a government spokesman has announced that within the next 72 hours the salvadoran government will disclose the names of the individuals implicated in the murder of six jesuits, if the investigations are not "hindered."    in a brief statement to the press, mauricio sandoval said that salvadoran president alfredo cristiani will, within the period stated, announce "the names of the individuals" who participated in the multiple crime perpetrated on 16 november at the central american university in san salvador.    cristiani announced on sunday that "members of the armed forces" participated in the crime, and that his government will bring those individuals to justice in el salvador, "regardless of whom they may be."    sandoval pointed out that "more than seven people were involved in the murder, and two perpetrated it."  he added that two different groups acted, one that murdered the clergymen and another that murdered two maids, according to preliminary results issued by the crime commission in charge of solving the case.    "there was no torture or mistreatment, but words were exchanged" between the murderers and victims, the spokesman said, adding that five of the murdered jesuits had received "finishing shots," according to autopsies carried out by salvadoran forensic doctors.    according to testimony the commission gathered from 115 members of the army and 103 civilians, the murder took place between 0200 and 0300, and there were "explosions, machine-gun blasts, and shots," sandoval said.    the spokesman added that 2 officers and 45 soldiers have been "confined in various headquarters pending investigation."    at least 230 cartridges of various caliber, including some for soviet made ak-47's, m-79 antitank weapons, and m-67 grenades, were found at the site of the murder, the official said.

"members of the armed forces"

more than seven people

two different groups

armed forces

machine-gun


Input: on 10 january at 1030, on the 10th anniversary of radio venceremos, an fmln unit commemorated this occasion by ambushing a military vehicle transporting national guardsmen from sesori to san miguel.  the ambush took place at el botijon, in san sebastian canton, sesori, and was carried out using explosives.  a few minutes after the fighting began our troops gained control of the situation.    attention, your attention: the military vehicle was destroyed during the ambush and five national guard soldiers were killed, including a sergeant who was in charge of the national guard troops.  during this successful ambush in sesori, we seized from the enemy--the repressive national guard--three g3-a3 rifles, three sets of military, over 1,000 bullets for g3-a3 rifles, boots, vests, and other military materiel.  two g3-a3 rifles and a prc-77 military communications radio were destroyed at the site of the ambush.  our people withdrew with no problems.


Input: a ucr (radical civic union) buenos aires province committee spokesman today reported that a ucr district headquarters in buenos aires province was "completely destroyed by a bomb explosion."  the destroyed ucr headquarters is in the moreno district of buenos aires.    the spokesman added that no one was injured and that leopoldo moreau, the ucr buenos aires province leader, has travelled to moreno.    it is expected that ucr buenos aires province board will meet and that they will ask the provincial government and the interior ministry to investigate the incident.

ucr district headquarters

bomb


Input: police are carrying out intensive operations in the town of molina in the seventh region in search of a gang of alleged extremists who could be linked to a recently discovered arsenal.  it has been reported that carabineros in molina raided the house of 25-year-old worker mario munoz pardo, where they found a fal rifle, ammunition clips for various weapons, detonators, and material for making explosives.    it should be recalled that a group of armed individuals wearing ski masks robbed a businessman on a rural road near molina on 7 january.  the businessman, enrique ormazabal ormazabal, tried to resist; the men shot him and left him seriously wounded.  he was later hospitalized in curico. carabineros carried out several operations, including the raid on munoz' home.  the police are continuing to patrol the area in search of the alleged terrorist command.

group of armed individuals wearing ski masks

enrique ormazabal ormazabal


Input: official sources have reported that several guerrilla attacks and heavy fighting took place the evening of 9 january and this morning throughout the country, and as a result, three soldiers were killed and three others injured.    alleged guerrilla urban commandos launched two highpower bombs against a car dealership in downtown san salvador this morning.  a police report said that the attack set the building on fire, but did not result in any casualties although economic losses are heavy.    during the evening of 9 january, guerrilla urban commandos bombed two electricity facilities in different places in san salvador, which caused power outages in some areas of the capital.    meanwhile, the armed forces press committee (coprefa) reported today that three army soldiers were killed recently in clashes against members of the farabundo marti national liberation front (fmln) in different parts of the central and eastern regions of the country.    the war bulletin by coprefa stated that the clashes, in which three members of the general juan ramon belloso battalion were injured, took place in san jose guayabal, in the central cuscatlan department, and in santa elena in the eastern usulutan department.

guerrilla urban commandos

car dealership

electricity facilities

highpower bombs


Input: gary elliot kent jr, a u.s.  citizen being held in prison while awaiting trial on drug-trafficking charges, has been stabbed to death in the pavon prison camp, 18 km southeast of this capital.    kent jr, and another person whose name and nationality the police have not revealed, were arrested in july 1989 along the southern coast of guatemala when the light plane in which the two were traveling had to make an emergency landing.    according to the investigations that followed, the plane was transporting cocaine from colombia to the united states.    official sources have reported that kent jr was unexpectedly attacked by three other pavon prison inmates wielding knives.    prison guards captured the attackers but did not report their names.    prison system director leonel franco stated today that the american had not been sentenced and that his case was being processed by a court of justice.    on 28 september, the u.s. embassy in guatemala had requested the extradition of kent jr for his involvement in drug-trafficking activities and because of his possible links with the medellin cartel.


Input: regarding the jesuits' case, the fmln states that:    1. the fmln and several sectors, including young armed forces officers, were right in pointing to the army as being responsible for this horrible crime.  the responsibility of the armed institution for this case and the cases involving fenastras (salvadoran workers national union federation), monsignor romero, the nuns, and the u.s. agrarian experts, as well as for the bombings in the cities and massacres in the rural sector, show that we were right when we mentioned in our last peace proposal the need to clean up the army and reform the judicial system.    2. to advance in the country's democratization, it is not enough to solve this case.  the other cases need to be solved and those guilty for them should be punished.  the establishment of responsibilities cannot remain at the level of officers and troops who only carried out orders.  most important is to establish responsibility among higher-ranking officers because a decision of this sort could not be beyond the responsibility of the top command.    3. it is also necessary to comply with the esquipulas ii agreements concerning democratization; reforming the judicial system; lifting the state of emergency; reestablishing freedom of expression, mobilization, and organization; releasing the more than 3,000 political prisoners; and stopping the repression against the church and other sectors.      4. the announcement by cristiani is an effort to resolve complicated discussions on u.s. aid for el salvador and to continue to benefit from this aid to maintain the war.  it would be a mistake to increase aid to the salvadoran army because of this announcement or because the case may be resolved.  such aid would leave open the possibility of seeing a case like that of the jesuit priests happening again.  the best way to contribute to a negotiated solution is to cease aid.  we appeal to the u.s. congress to make this decision.  if this is done, the fmln would commit itself to making efforts to reach an immediate ceasefire.    5. favorable conditions for negotiations depend on justice-making progress.  if the army is thoroughly purged because of this case, peace could be reached earlier.    6. to contribute toward a prompt peace, we will ask the office of the un secretary general to mediate.  we urge the government to jointly meet with us and with mr javier perez de cuellar within the next 30 days to renew the dialogue-negotiation process.    7. the fmln will be watching how the situation develops.  it urges national and international forces to exert pressure so that the investigation process does not end with a declaration of intention or with statements blaming low-ranking soldiers to protect those who are most responsible.  this would push away the possibiltiy of a political solution to the salvadoran conflict.    (signed) fmln general command: commanders salvador sanchez, shafick jorge handal, eduardo sancho, joaquin villalobos, and francisco jovel.


Input: according to the military intelligence services, the farc (revolutionary armed forces of colombia) launched a new offensive to recover the region of middle magdalena that was lost to gonzalo rodriguez gacha and his men 5 years ago.  this is the reason for fierce fighting there between the army and several farc fronts during the first few days of this year.  heavily armed and strengthened these fronts are trying to militarily take over areas that rodriguez gacha's deputies have been vacating because of the crisis created in their organization by the death of el mejicano (gonzalo rodriguez' alias).    the authorities believe that the return to the strategy of using kidnappings as a means to finance itself is also part of this new offensive that seems to be enjoying the support of other guerrilla groups such as the epl (popular liberation army).    meanwhile, in la uribe the farc general secretariat has submitted another peace proposal to president barco.  the guerrilla group states that it is willing to establish a new political party called bolivarian reunion of the people (reunion bolivariana del pueblo) if the government calls a plesbicite to establish a national constituent assembly.    the proposal was received on 9 january directly from the hands of farc leaders by members of the presidential advisory board for peace issues.    (begin recording) (rafael pardo, presidential advisor for peace and rehabilitation) the government must assess the proposal it has received, as well as farc's subversive activities, to determine whether it should resume talks with this organization. (end recording)    for the time being, members of the advisory board will travel to santo domingo this weekend to continue studying with the m-19 (19 april movement) the possibilities of incorporating it into political life following the collapse of the special peace district issue in congress.


Input: the farabundo marti national liberation front (fmln) has described the arrest of five soldiers accused of committing the massacre (of six jesuit priests) as "a manipulated cover operation." basically, cristiani is alleged to have decided to punish a number of low-ranking officers to close the case as quickly as possible and to end international pressures.  what is your opinion in this regard?    (zamora) the fact that president cristiani acknowledges that members of the army were responsible for the massacre is a first step and definitely a good thing, but it is entirely insufficient unless the subsequent steps are also taken.  first, to identify who the responsible parties were:  this is the first important point, because nobody can feel satisfied if only low-ranking officers are identified.  such an act can only have been ordered by high-ranking officers.  we must not forget the murder of monsignor romero, for which there were no sentences and no trials.    (oppes) however, the armed forces high command immediately denied involvement in the operation, stating that it was an isolated action "divorced from any institutional policy."    (zamora) i believe this is entirely wrong: the murder of the jesuit fathers cannot be considered an isolated action.  over 7,000 people have died in el salvador during 10 years of civil war, and 90 percent of them were civilians.  political assassination by the government forces is a constant practice.  furthermore, torture is regularly practised in el salvador.  the army high command cannot fail to know this.  they cannot claim to be innocent, because they have the greatest responsibilities for human rights violations.    (oppes) yet last month the summit of central american heads of state in san jose ended with a success for president cristiani, who secured an explicit condemnation of the offensive launched by the guerrillas in november, whereas no specific charges were leveled at the government for human rights violations.    (zamora) there is a positive factor that should be borne in mind, namely, the call from the five presidents for a resumption of the dialogue in el salvador and the appeal to the un secretary general to carry out mediation to this end.  but in the summit's final document, it is the fmln and the nicaraguan contras who pay the price for the agreement among the presidents: these are diplomatic games that do not facilitate the restoration of peace in central america.    (oppes) what paths can be taken now to advance the negotiations?    (zamora) negotiations are becoming increasingly necessary.  the guerrilla offensive shows that the fmln is a strong military force, but also that a revolutionary attitude does not exist among the masses.  it also shows that the government army, after 10 years of u.s. training, is an army whose military stance is defensive, not offensive (which is the key to u.s. military strategy.)  while this all shows that there can only be a negotiated solution to the crisis, it is also true that precisely following the guerrilla offensive (and this is the paradox) the army stiffened its stance against negotiations.  i believe that sooner or later common sense will prevail and it will sit down at the negotiating table.  at the end of november the u.s. secretary of state's assistant for latin america spoke officially for the first time about the need for negotiations to resolve the crisis in el salvador: this is an important sign of a changing situation.

five soldiers

army


Input: the mrta (tupac amaru revolutionary movement) today distributed leaflets claiming responsibility for the murder of former defense minister enrique lopez albujar.    general osvaldo diaz salvador, chief of the 7th subregion of the national police, has confirmed the existence of the leaflets, and added that the murder case is still being investigated.  he said that among the thousands of detainees there are 16 suspects who are believed to have participated in the murder of the outstanding general.    (begin recording) (diaz salvador) well, there are two operations.  first, the dragnet operation, in which people with the characteristics established by witnesses are arrested, and second, there is a more specific operation being conducted by the specialized units.    (reporter) is there any information yet regarding the capture of the murderers of the former defense minister?    (diaz salvador) these operations seek to clear up both a crime that has shocked the nation and also the killing of two patrolmen who were murdered in cold blood the day before the general was murdered.    (reporter) do the police have identikits of the murderers?    (diaz salvador) we have received some identikits of people who could have participated in the attack from the specialized units of the technical police.  based on these identikits the police will be more specific and selective.    (reporter) how many identikits do you have so far?    (diaz salvador) so far we have received three identikits.    (reporter) the murder is attributed to mrta and not to the shining path. what news do the have on this?    (diaz salvador) i believe the intelligence services will have the final word on this.    (reporter) is it true that the mrta has claimed responsibility for the murder?    (diaz salvador) well, we all know that some leaflets have appeared today inside a newspaper that claims to be the mouthpiece on this matter, but i do not think this is final.  (end recording)

16 suspects

tupac amaru revolutionary movement

shining path

enrique lopez albujar


Input: two bomb attacks were carried out in la paz last night, one in front of government house following the message to the nation over a radio and television network by president jaime paz zamora.    the explosions did not cause any serious damage but the police were mobilized, fearing a wave of attacks.    the self-styled "zarate willka liberation armed forces" sent simultaneous written messages to the media, calling on the people to oppose the government, which it says is "at the service of the wealthy and the exploiters."  it also calls for free education, the establishment of permanent jobs, the defense of coca-leaf farming, and the defense against u.s. intervention and big land owners.    the first bomb attack occurred at 2230 (0230 gmt on 12 january) in front of the planning and economic coordination ministry, just before president paz zamora concluded his message to the nation in which he explained the guidelines of the general economic program that the government will implement between 1990 and 1993.    roberto barbery, interior ministry intelligence department director, has reported that dynamite sticks were hurled from a car.    the second attack occurred at 2335 (0335 gmt on 12 january), just after the cabinet members had left government house where they had listened to the presidential message.    a bomb was placed outside government house in the parking lot that is used by cabinet ministers.  the police placed the bomb in a nearby flower bed, where it went off.  the shock wave shattered some windows in government house and street lamps in the plaza murillo.    as of 0500 gmt today, the police had received reports of two other explosions in two la paz neighborhoods, but these have not yet been confirmed. (passage omitted)

zarate willka liberation armed forces

government house

planning and economic coordination ministry

bomb

dynamite sticks


Input: the mnr reports the disappearance and kidnapping of mnr assistant secretary general hector oqueli colindres in guatemala city today, 12 january.    oqueli arrived in guatemala on 11 january.  he had planned to travel to nicaragua early on 12 january to join a socialist international delegation in that country.  from nicaragua he would travel to quito, ecuador, to attend a convention of the socialist international committee for latin america, of which oqueli is secretary.    according to reports, oqueli and his companion gilda flores, a member of the social democratic party of guatemala, were abducted by heavily armed men between 0630 and 0700 as they were heading to la aurora airport to board their flight.    we urge the international community, particularly the democratic governments of the world, to demand the immediate release of hector oqueli and his companion, as well as a total clarification of this attack.    (signed) mnr national executive committee    (dated) 12 january 1990, san salvador

heavily armed men

hector oqueli colindres

gilda flores


Input: the salvadoran government today deplored the disappearance of social democratic leader hector oqueli colindres this morning in guatemala.    national information secretary mauricio sandoval told acan-efe that "it is regrettable," adding that the salvadoran government will make the necessary efforts through diplomatic channels to obtain more information on the case.    according to sources from his party, hector oqueli colindres, assistant secretary of the national revolutionary movement (mnr) disappeared today in guatemala when the vehicle in which he was traveling was intercepted by heavily armed men wearing civilian clothing.    an mnr spolesman reported that oqueli colindres was "kidnapped" as he was heading to the airport in guatemala city to take a flight to nicaragua, where he would join a socialist international delegation that is currently in that country to observe the electoral campaign.    mnr spokesmen said that the guatemalan police found the vehicle in which oqueli was traveling with a member of the guatemalan social democratic party without its occupants.

heavily armed men wearing civilian clothing

hector oqueli colindres


Input: salvadoran vice president francisco merino has described the possible resumption of dialogue between the government and the rebels as positive.    merino said that the fmln (farabundo marti national liberation front) should not claim credit for the resumption of a dialogue because it was president alfredo cristiani who took the initiative in resuming the talks. merino added that the rebels should abandon the delaying and irresponsible tactics regarding the dialogue because the fmln has lost credibility both in the military sense and in international politics.    (begin recording) (merino) the fmln has lost credibility in all of its activities, including military actions.  the only valid alternative to pacify the country is for the rebels to stop hostilities, violence, and terrorism.  we should jointly explore the possibilities of their joining the democratic process.  (end recording)    he also said one of the alternatives readily available to the fmln is to participate in the elections for delegates to the central american parliament.    (begin recording) (merino) el salvador has proposed at the legislative assembly to ratify the central american parliament protocol.  this would open the door for the special election of the salvadoran delegates to the parliament.  if a truly democratic willingness by the fmln exists, this could be their first opportunity to participate.  it has not yet been decided whether this election will be held before the 1991 official elections for mayors and deputies.  the government and the fmln could jointly consider the advantages of a special election this year.  then we could make preparations for the 1991 constitutional elections. (end recording)    regarding the fmln military actions, merino said the government is familiar with the rebels' tactics, particularly when talks are being considered.  he also said the rebels operate in cycles.    (begin recording) (merino) the government has never reacted naively to the fmln terrorists' statements or their participation in the dialogue.  we are fully aware of their plans and strategies.  the government, however, bears the primary responsibility of seeking harmony and the citizens's security. (end recording)    after the rebels' counteroffensive in november, which was regarded as the largest military operation in the past 10 years, the possibility for a new dialogue has appeared in el salvador once more, creating expectations, both here and abroad.  the coming meeting of president cristiani with united nation's representatives, scheduled for next week, and the meeting on 12 january of a rebel delegation with a united nations official seem to indicate that talks will be held shortly.


Input: salvadoran colonel sigifredo ochoa perez today said that the masterminds of the six jesuit priests' murder are not "soldiers or lieutenants," but are "much higher in the hierarchy."    "regardless of whether it was a general or colonel, whoever masterminded this crime must be punished," the ranking leader of the ruling arena (nationalist republican alliance) party and retired officer said during a televised interview.     those responsible for this multiple murder that took place on 16 november "are not soldiers or lieutenants," he said.    "this action involved much higher level officers, and even if a general or colonel is involved, (the culprits) must be punished," he pointed out.    he added: "we hope that it will not be as in the past when the masterminds are protected.  as the saying goes: the little guys always pay."    ochoa said that he is convinced that "investigations must be pursued" and that nobody should receive "special treatment," because "unfortunately, there are elements who are hurting the army and the president, and the high command have to purge them."    ochoa, former deputy and current president of the state power company, described as "courageous" the decision of president alfredo cristiani to publicly admit that members of the armed forces massacred the six jesuit priests and two women.    on 7 january, cristiani officially acknowledged that military personnel killed the jesuits, their cook, and the cook's 15-year-old daughter.    however, he refused to reveal the names of those involved to avoid hampering the investigation.    the colonel said: "we hope that the names will be revealed soon and that these people will be punished."    observers believe that ochoa's statements, which might suggest an internal struggle within the ruling arena, express an implicit wish to see this abominable crime resolved."    the retired colonel added that the "courageous" position of cristiani regarding this case has brought him strong international support that is helping to strengthen the democratic process that the current president wants to promote.    although ochoa admitted that in el salvador military power has been behind the real power and that trying a military man has been taboo, he said that cristiani "is determined to intensify a purge of such elements from the armed forces."    he also admitted "that there are still salvadoran military men who believe that they hold power and that they can use their rifles and the power that their weapons give them."

much higher level officers

armed forces


Input: the u.s.  congressmen's worktables are filled with surprises.  they are to renew their sessions in 2 weeks' time, and important matters are waiting to be discussed.    after the fmln (farabundo marti national liberation front) started its 11 november offensive which buried the army's propagandistic claims that it had finished off the guerrillas, along came the great surprises in the east european countries, when they brought down walls without having to resort to military invasions and attained a democratic opening.  ending the year, the world was surprised with the brutal u.s. invasion of panama.    now, when the last decade of the century is about to begin, el salvador adds another page to the book of last-minute surprises.  alfredo cristiani himself--who, together with armed forces officers, said hours after the jesuits and their maids had been murdered that there were suspicions that the fmln could be involved in the massacre--has just accepted, especially for the benefit of the u.s. congress, that armed forces personnel were the ones who murdered the top brains, the best intellectuals of el salvador. the murderers were military personnel, and, at least on the national televison network, cristiani promised to dislose their names.  (passage indistinct)...the jesuits' murders or the cancellation of aid.    if it is true that the army--which murdered monsigno oscar romero, 1,000 peasants in el mozote, 70 indians in las hojas, hundreds of salvadorans in zunpu, and unionists at the fenastras (salvadoran workers national union federation) offices, along with the rest of the armed forces' well-known crimes--is going to be purged at last, if this is really true, then we would have to say that a true negotiation will start.  in the past, the fmln has made proposals for negotiations to end the war.      one of our demands, a realistic demand to propitiate peace in el salvador, is undoubtedly the purge of the army.  in mexcio and in san jose, costa rica, we said that if the government did not accept the fmln's proposal, the nation would do so.  and that is what has happened.  the nation demands that the armed forces be purged.    the most important u.s. newspapers and newscasts have noted the irrefutable fact that 10 years of u.s. advice and an investment of more than $3 billion--very close to $4 billion--to create a huge buildup in their armaments have not served to change the mentality of an army that murdered monsignor romero and thousands of civilians, including nuns and u.s. advisers.  we believe democratic senator christopher dodd was mistaken when he said that u.s. aid in itself was not being discussed.  the 10 years of aid, advice, and u.s. strategy in el salvador have proven to be a failure. if the united states has any intentions of contributing to peace, now is the time to change its policy toward el salvador.    events have placed the issue of the continuation of aid to el salvador on the congressmen's worktables.  the aid was made conditional on punishment for the jesuits' murders.  but what is the order of the day?  it is a decision that goes beyond a basic demand for justice.  it will determine the continuation of u.s. aid.  it entails the decision to turn their policy around to contribute to a political solution in el salvador.  they are to discuss whether congress' position is to be: one, we approve the purge of the army and thus we will give them more aid, or, two, we approve the purge as a concrete step to democratization and will suspend military aid so that these conditions can be used to reach a negotiated political solution.    will u.s. congressmen be capable of surprising the world by helping the salvadorans to topple the fascist wall, the wall of war?  will they do this by stopping military aid?  the fmln has said clearly that if the united states stops aid to the army it will correspond with actions to reach a complete halt in hostilities.  we hope the u.s. congress does not make a mistake.  if it stops aid, if it cuts it, if it ends it, we will stand before a clear and hopeful sign for peace.  however, if not, we will stand before yet another sign of war, and the surprise will not be a good one.

armed forces personnel

armed forces


Input: it was reported in bogota today that the colombian army captured suspected peruvian drug trafficker jose cardenas guerra on a farm in purificacion, in central colombia.  cardenas guerra is apparently linked to the medellin drug cartel.    the soldiers found cardenas guerra with several workers of the farm, which, according to the investigations, was owned by gonzalo rodriguez gacha, who was killed during a police operation on 15 december.    official spokesmen indicated that the troops did not meet any resistance from the suspected mafia members who were carrying firearms.    cardenas guerra was transferred from purificacion to the secret police offices in ibague, capital of tolima department, 130 km southwest of bogota.


Input: mario solorzano martinez, leader of guatemala's democratic socialist party, reported today that the salvadoran political leader hector oqueli, who was kidnapped in guatemala, was found dead.    oqueli's body was found next to the body of guatemalan politician gilda flores, who was taking him to this city's airport so that oqueli could travel to nicaragua.    solorzano martinez told notimex that , because of the short period of time oqueli was in guatemala--less than 24 hours--the only explanation is that there are groups linked to the salvadoran paramilitary squadrons in the country.

hector oqueli

gilda flores


Input: regarding the assassination of hector oqueli colindres, leader of the national revolutionary movement and the democratic convergence and secretary for latin america of the socialist international, in guatemala on 12 january, we state:    1. we blame arena (nationalist republican alliance), the regime of (president alfredo) cristiani and (arena leader roberto) d'aubuisson, and its armed forces for this detestable assassination.  the links between d'aubuisson's arena party and the guatemalan national liberation movement of mario sandoval are well known.  both oppose every effort to bring peace to the region.    2. this new crime and the recent events concerning the case of the jesuits, which show that the masterminds will not be punished, forces us to review our dialogue offer because we are not interested in helping the fascist regime wash its face to obtain u.s. military aid and to proceed with its plan to annihilate every type of opposition.    3. the assassination of dr oqueli and his companion, gilda flores, the extension of the state of the siege, and the fact that nothing indicates that there will be punishment for the masterminds of the massacre of 16 november show that cristiani's announcement to get to the bottom of the latter case is only a farce to obtain u.s. aid and to proceed with the slaughter of opposition members.    4. as those events show, the political solution to the confict requires a purge of the armed forces, democratization, and self-determination.  there can be no dialogue amid state terrorism, a state of siege, and general trampling on human rights.  under the state of siege, the regime gives itself the right to carry out a general repression.  therefore, we call on all political and social forces to struggle for its abrogation.    5. the 15 december 1989 un general assembly resolution demanding respect for human rights and democratic freedoms must be unconditionally implemented in our country to create an atmosphere and conditions favorable to a political solution.    (signed) fmln general command    (dated) el salvador, 13 january 1990

nationalist republican alliance

armed forces

hector oqueli colindres


Input: the salvadoran opposition national revolutionary movement (mnr) today demanded that guatemalan president vinicio cerezo "thoroughly" investigate the assassination of mnr leader hector oqueli and of guatemalan attorney gilda flores.    during a news conference, the mnr executive committee condemned the "abominable" crime perpetrated on 12 january in guatemala by armed men wearing civilian clothes.  the mnr also demanded that the salvadoran government guarantee the security of mnr secretary general guillermo ungo, who will arrive in el salvador within the next few hours to attend oqueli's funeral, which is scheduled for 15 january.    oqueli, 45, and gilda flores, a member of the democratic socialist party (psd) of guatemala, were kidnapped while they were on their way to la aurora airport in guatemala city.  their bodies were found later at a place near the salvadoran border.    "the people responsible for this unjustifiable assassination are the eternal enemies of liberty, peace, and democracy," the mnr states.  the mnr, along with the social democratic party and the social christian people's movement (mpsc), make up the democratic convergence coalition.    the mpsc also issued a communique deploring the assassination of oqueli and urging the international community to condemn this action.

armed men wearing civilian clothes

hector oqueli

gilda flores


Input: what we had predicted has occurred.  cristiani announced this afternoon that a colonel, two lieutenants, one second lieutenant, two second sergeants, and two soldiers were involved in the massacre of the jesuits.    the accusation against colonel benavides is the following: that the multiple crime was committed in the sector under his command.  from the lieutenant on down, the accusation is that they directly participated in the crime.  (words indistinct), as cristiani said, that it was col benavides, but it was not col benavides who issued the order.  so, the question is: who gave the order to kill the jesuits and their two maids.  in our view, col benavides was implicated solely as a means of propaganda aimed at the u.s. congress.  it is clear that col benavides did not give the order.  he probably did not even know about the action.  this is consistent with what we know about his background.  first, he is not known to have carried out acts of repression or corruption.  our report indicates that benavides has    maintained a position in favor of institutions and open to discussions. he was described as an active, studious and not repressive cadet, one of the few exceptions in la tandona (reference to the 1977 graduating class of the captain general gerardo barrios military academy).  in other words, for the la tandona, a gang of assassins, he is a perfect scapegoat.    the massacre of the jesuits was not a personal decision.  it was part of the armed forces' counteroffensive actions during the november battles.  it was a cold-blooded, premeditated plan executed to decapitate the people's movement and the democratic opposition.  let us remember the threats against father ellacuria over the national radio network prior to the assassination.  let us remember that between the night of 15 november and early morning of 16 november, several offices of labor unions and houses of opposition members were attacked.  let us remember that after the masssacre of the jesuits, the officers shouted over loudspeakers that they had killed ellacuria and that they were going to continue killing communists.  the bishop of san salvador was a witness to this.    in our view, the assassins of the jesuits were those who appeared on the radio and television network making known the results of the so-called honor commission.  col benavides will probably be freed in a short time and be appointed to some post abroad, or he might experience the same fate as that of captain eduardo alfonso avila, who went in and out of jail each time that military aid for el salvador was discussed in the u.s. congress.    however, in any case and as has always occurred, it will be the lieutenants, the noncommissioned officers, and the soldiers who carried out an order who will pay the consequences.  we have already seen this happen in the cases of the nuns when (words indistinct) a few soldiers, the massacre of san francisco, and the assassination of the u.s. advisers and rodolfo viera.  (words indistinct) once again the people's hopes are frustrated, as has happened in so many other cases.    the assassination of the jesuits again confirms that to, as cristiani said, get to the bottom of this, we have to obtain democracy, justice, and self-determination.

two lieutenants

one second lieutenant

two soldiers

colonel benavides

armed forces

offices of labor unions

houses of opposition members

ellacuria


Input: the new fmln (farabundo marti national liberation front) proposal to stop fighting provided the u.s. congress suspends aid to el salvador is blackmail.  with this, he said, the fmln is showing to the international community that its members are plain terrorists.    this was said on 12 january by the ruling nationalist republican alliance president dr armando calderon sol, who maintained that aspirations of the subsersives are "detestable," and, therefore, cannot be accepted.    the prominent political leader said that while in east europe there is a true democratic revolution, the fmln maintains its position of trying to subdue the people with a totalitarian plan through violent means.  "history has left them behind and they (the terrorists) have not noticed it," he added.    calderon sol emphasized that fmln leaders should reconsider the position they have maintained and should respect the judicial system because without it, no nation can achieve harmony and development.    the seditious "should understand that they are alone and that no one supports their anarchic plan," the arena president added.  he recalled that during the terrorist aggression, the international community suported the alfredo cristiani government and the fmln never received any support.    calderon sol stressed that the fmln must provide real proof that it wants to reach peace through negotiated means, because president cristiani has good intentions and wants to solve the conflict as soon as possible through talks.    the subversives must suspend the aggression against the people and the destruction of the national economy, because one cannot be at the negotiating table while the fmln at the same time is preparing an offensive.


Input: the guatemalan foreign ministry condemned today the assassination of leftist salvadoran leader hector oqueli and guatemalan political leader gilda flores.    both bodies were found today in an area near guatemala and el salvador border after the victims were kidnapped in guatemala city yesterday.    a foreign ministry communique "regrets and condemns" the assassination of oqueli, assistant secretary of the socialist international for latin america and the caribbean, and deputy secretary general of the national revolutionary movement (mnr), a leftist movement in el salvador.    "we deeply regret the deaths of two valuable persons, and we condemn this act of violence," the note adds.    the document is the first official reaction to the kidnapping and assassination of both leaders.    gilda flores was an active member of the democratic socialist party (psd) of guatemala, whose secretary general mario solorzano reported that "salvadoran paramilitary groups" are carrying out actions in this country.    according to solorzano, the incident "shows there is cooperation between paramilitary groups of both countries," because the perpetrators knew of oqueli's arrival "and they staged an entire operation to kidnap him."    the bodies of the political leaders were found early this morning with shots through the temple in the guatemalan town of jalpatagua, near the border with el salvador, oqueli's relatives told efe in el salvador.    oqueli arrived in guatemala last thursday.  on friday morning, while on his way to la aurora airport to catch a plane to nicaragua, he was kidnapped by "heavily armed men," according to the mnr.

salvadoran paramilitary groups

hector oqueli

gilda flores


Input: government minister carlos morales said today that a "foreign commando" killed hector oqueli, leader of the salvadoran leftist party national revolutionary movement (mnr), and guatemalan social democratic leader gilda flores in guatemala.    morales said at a news conference held at the national police headquarters that the intention of the "terrorist commando" was capturing oqueli alive to take him to el salvador but that "something made them change their plans."    morales stressed that the existence of the "foreign commando," the nationality and origin of whom he did not specify, has been known for months, adding that "it is responsible for many terrorist attacks."    morales said that the group has killed several people and has carried out various bomb attacks in guatemala.  asked about a statement by social democratic party leader mario solorzano, who said that salvadoran and guatemalan paramilitary groups operate jointly in guatemala, morales said that "this is currently under investigation."    "we cannot say what country this terrorist commando came from; however, we have already taken measures to counter its activities in our national territory," he stressed.    our government will not let this group "defame" guatemala with its activities.  there is already a special unit within the security forces in charge of locating the killers of oqueli and flores.    according to the initial reports received by the police, the kidnapping took place yesterday when oqueli and flores were heading to la aurora airport in this capital.    the vehicle in which they were traveling, which was found near the airport, was intercepted by another car, whose occupants forced gilda flores out of the car while oqueli tried to escape, morales said.

terrorist commando

hector oqueli

gilda flores


Input: armando calderon sol, president of the nationalist republican alliance (arena), the ruling salvadoran party, today called for an investigation into any possible connection between the military personnel implicated in the assassination of jesuit priests and the salvadoran guerrillas.    "it is something so horrendous, so monstrous, that we must investigate the possibility that the fmln (farabundo marti national liberation front) staged this assassination to discredit the government," calderon sol said.    salvadoran president alfredo cristiani implicated four officers, including one colonel, and five members of the armed forces in the assassination of six jesuit priests and two women on 16 november at the central american university.    according to calderon sol, the salvadoran government "is dutybound to uncover the murderers of the jesuits and to see if there is any link between the soldiers involved and the fmln."    "those responsible acted on their own, to cause problems for the cristiani government and discredit it.  it could not possibly be an isolated act. investigations are pointing to some kind of conspiracy," the president of the rightist arena party said.    in addition, calderon sol asked the governments of el salvador and guatemala to carry out an "exhaustive" investigation to ensure that the murder of social democratic leader hector oqueli colindres "does not go unpunished."    calderon noted that "oqueli had clearly renounced the position of armed struggle in favor of a program for democratic participation."    oqueli colindres, a salvadoran leader of the socialist international, was found dead along with gilda flores, a member of the guatemalan social democratic party, on 13 january in a town in southeastern guatemala near the salvadoran border.

salvadoran guerrillas

four officers

one colonel

five members of the armed forces

farabundo marti national liberation front

armed forces

hector oqueli colindres

gilda flores


Input: salvadoran president alfredo cristiani today postponed his trip to the united states, which was scheduled for 16-23 january, until later this month, according to an announcement today by information secretary mauricio sandoval.    the presidential spokesman explained that the postponement of cristiani's trip is due to the president's interest in meeting with un secretary general javier perez de cuellar to request that perez de cuellar act as mediator to achieve the resumption of dialogue with the salvadoran guerrillas.    "we have received information from new york to the effect that perez de cuellar will not be available on the dates initially set for the trip, thus, cristiani's visit has been postponed, sandoval said.    according to sandoval, cristiani will meet with perez de cuellar on 31 january, after which he will go to washington in early february to meet with u.s. president george bush.    sandoval denied that the postponement of cristiani's trip is related to possible reaction to the arrest of eight members of the army, including four officers, on charges of being implicated in the murder of six jesuit priests and two employees.    "there is no relation, because the case of the jesuits is being resolved," the spokesman said.    sandoval also denied that postponement of the trip is linked to the assassination of hector oqueli, a salvadoran leader of the socialist international, 3 days ago in guatemala.    after learning of oqueli's assassination, the guerrillas announced that they will "revise" their offer to resume the dialogue with the government. however, the presidential spokesman indicated that the guerrillas have sent no official note explaining the revision.

eight members of the army

four officers

army

hector oqueli


Input: in an action that is unprecedented in colombia's history of violence, unidentified persons kidnapped 31 people in the strife-torn banana-growing region of uraba, the antiouqia governor's office reported today.    the incident took place in puerto bello, a village in turbo municipality, 460 km northwest of bogota, where a group of heavily armed men forced the kidnapped villagers to climb into trucks and then took off for an unknown destination.  nothing is known thus far about the motive behind the kidnapping or the whereabouts of the victims.    regional authorities who escaped being kidnapped took a census of the population and determined that a total of 31 people were kidnapped.  before fleeing, the commando group set fire to a grocery store and caused some damage in the small town.    uraba, a prosperous agro-industrial region in colombia, has been racked for years by a bloody political struggle between guerrilla groups and ultrarightist paramilitary bands, which have been blamed for various massacres of peasants whom they accused of being guerrilla sympathizers.    before the news of the mass kidnapping became known, the total persons kidnapped in colombia over the last 6 weeks was 85, according to statistics of the colombian secret police.

a group of heavily armed men

grocery store


Input: the peruvian police have reported that an attack with explosives in front of a building where u.s. diplomats reside in the miraflores neighborhood in lima has left one person injured.    the terrorist attack was launched from a moving vehicle, from which unidentified individuals threw three dynamite charges that injured a passerby and damaged the front of the building, according to the police.     the police source indicated that those responsible for the crime have not yet been identified.  the source noted that in 1984, the first attack on u.s. interests was carried out by the guevarist tupac amaru revolutionary movement, when activists from that group fired at the front of the u.s. embassy in downtown lima.    a car bomb exploded in front of the u.s. embassy residence in the peruvian capital 3 years later, and after that, explosives were hurled at the door of a house in the san borja neighborhood, where u.s. marines resided.

unidentified individuals

building where u.s. diplomats reside

three dynamite charges


Input: ten terrorists hurled dynamite sticks at u.s.  embassy facilities in the miraflores district, causing serious damage but fortunately no casualties.  the attack took place at 2100 on 15 january (0100 gmt on 16 jan).    inside the facility, which was guarded by 3 security officers, a group of embassy officials were holding a work meeting.    according to the first police reports, the attack was staged by 10 terrorists who used 2 toyota cars which were later abandoned.  one of the vehicles was left on the third block of jose pardo avenue, while the other was left on the first block of bella vista street in miraflores.

ten terrorists

embassy facilities

dynamite sticks


Input: napoleon duarte, president of el salvador, has rejected the proposal from the guerrillas, who accepted the elections if they were postponed for 6 months and held with democratic guarantees.  today a delegation of the salvadoran insurgents will hold talks in madrid with representatives of the spanish foreign ministry.  the spanish officials' interlocutor is miguel saenz, member of the political and diplomatic commission of the farabundo marti national liberation front (fmln) and this is his first reaction, in exclusive statements to rne (spanish national radio), to napoleon duarte's rejection of the insurgents' proposal.    (begin recording) (saenz) the only way left is to continue the struggle, and thus we would have to intensify this struggle in the political and military field.  then, unfailingly, if there is no political solution, there will be a social explosion in the country.  it is unstoppable.  we believe that spain in particular, as president of the eec, with the traditional, cultural ties uniting us, can play quite a prominent role.  specifically, we believe that the eec can intercede with its offices between the parties in conflict in order to contribute to the resolution of the conflict. (end recording)


Input: explosives loaded in a small truck, which were going to be fired at the salvadoran presidential house, were deactivated at noon today, a military source has reported.    three handmade catapults, each loaded with approximately 7 kg of dynamite, were defused at 1145 (1745 gmt) by national policemen.  the catapults were located 200 meters from the presidency and were to be fired 10 minutes later, coprefa reported.    according to the guerrillas, the "mobile armed platforms," sort of like medieval catapults, consist of two parts: a fuse and a main charge.    the presidential house is located in the southern part of sal salvador adjacent to one of the principal garrisons of el salvador, the armed forces transmission center.    in the past few months, the fmln has used so-called "mobile armed platforms" against the principal army garrisons in san salvador.    the army described these devices as "terrorist weapons" and labeled them "car bombs."

guerrillas

fmln

salvadoran presidential house

explosives loaded in a small truck

7 kg of dynamite


Input: ...which has dismayed all honduran people.  the government strongly condemns this kind of action--the murder of (retired) general gustavo alvarez martinez--which was politically motivated and perpetrated by professionals, and which, i believe, deserves the denunciation of all hondurans.    (valdes) mr president, will the three branches of government and the armed forces adopt additional security measures?    (azcona) yes, we will be discussing that soon.  i have a meeting scheduled with the national security council, which will also be attended by the three presidents of the state branches.  i mean, the (words indistinct) will chair the meeting, and national congress president carlos arbin montoya and supreme court president salomon jimenez castro will also attend.  we have also invited the candidates of the two (number as heard) parties to this meeting since one of them is going to be the next honduran president.  we plan to establish some guideline--some rules to be followed--not just for the remainder of our term but in the future as well, because we should be farsighted and not just concentrate on the short term, which has been very common in honduras, where we look and find solutions only for the present. we should find solutions jointly (words indistinct) in the long run, which includes the issue of violence.  we believe in a democracy like ours, which is a very complete democracy.  in other words, there are internal elections for selecting candidates, where citizens enjoy full rights, where parties and party leaders consult with the people, where we have true, clean, and honest elections, where we have a national electoral commission that is not influenced by nor can it be influenced by the government, and where the state branches are totally independent.    all of these characteristics make honduras a democracy, and every sector of honduran society should strive to strengthen them by avoiding violence at all costs, obeying the law, and condemning and attacking extreme terrorist groups regardless of their affiliation, thus enabling us to consolidate our democracy and reach the level of political development attained by other democratic countries.    it has been demonstrated worldwide that progress and development can only be achieved through democracy.  the frg, the mediterranean countries--italy, france, and spain--are examples of this, and there is the case of japan, which has a liberal democratic system and has achieved extraordinary levels of development.  taiwan is yet another example.  at this stage...    (valdes, interrupting) yes, but this takes time.    (azcona) yes.  at this stage i believe there is sufficient proof that the democratic system is the best means of attaining higher levels of development.  there is no doubt in anyone's mind about that, but the fact that we have this system is not enough.  each one of us, each sector, must do his part to make it work.    when i mention sectors, i am referring to private enterprise, which must be generous, exhibit confidence in the country, and show much initiative; to organized labor groups, which must fight for their rights without fomenting strikes and other disorders, which are sometimes brought about illegally instead of following the normal legal procedures; to professional associations, which also have an enormous responsibility, because their members must comply with their duties; and the same goes for government employees and others.    in other words, this will not be accomplished by this or the next government alone.  our governments are transitory and their power is relative.  i have said this many times.  there is no point in lashing out at the president, because power in honduras is relative and conditional. what is essential is to contribute positively toward honduras' development.  this should be a responsibility not only of public employees, businessmen, workers, and organized peasants, but all hondurans should contribute.  that is what counts.    (valdes) mr president, when will this meeting be held and what immediate measures will you propose?    (azcona) the appropriate authorities are doing everything possible to investigate the latest crime, which was not an everyday occurrence like a robbery or something of that nature.  this crime was carefully planned.  it was a terrorist act perpetrated by professionals.    (valdes) mr president, some people have been saying that the death penalty might be a way to cope with the situation.  what do you think about this?    (azcona) i recently read something about the death penalty in a mexican magazine.  the death penalty is opposed by a majority of the people and has been abolished in honduras.  i do not think this is the solution here because the death penalty has not solved the crime problem anywhere else in the world.  for instance, this penalty exists in many u.s. states, but this has not deterred criminals from committing terrible crimes.  people have lost control.  when criminals have no respect for their fellow man, not even the death penalty can stop them.  however, there are crimes, such as drug trafficking, for which no bail should be permitted.  i think a bill that has been proposed by the supreme court of justice should be passed by the congress.  of course, it will be approved by the president so those found guilty of this crime cannot be bailed out.  it is not right for the authorities to arrest a drug trafficker only to see him released on bail by a judge who has no other choice than to abide by the law.    (valdes) mr president, the far rightist group aaa (anticommunist action alliance), through a local radio station, warned that they will take revenge on major communist leaders, such as jorge arturo reina, ramon custodio, and others.  what do you have to say about this?    (azcona) i am adamantly opposed to this type of revenge because it would only lead to escalated confrontations between groups.  i condemn this attitude in view of the regrettable murder of general gustavo alvarez martinez.  as far as the death penalty goes, it will not be a solution to the crime problem.    (valdes) mr president, civic committees have to be organized in the country.    (azcona) i agree, but these committees should be controlled by the authorities.  a civic committee to protect communities is one thing, but it is quite another thing to sue these committees to perform duties that are already the responsibility of state agencies, such as the armed forces.    (valdes) when will the government branches meet?    (azcona) they will meet when i return from caracas.

professionals

gustavo alvarez martinez


Input: the anticommunist action alliance (alianza de accion anticomunista) reports the following to the honduran people, in particular, and to the international community in general:    1.  during a meeting today, the democratic patriotic committees and our organization's disciplinary tribunal tried and sentenced to death the following terrorists of international communism:  jorge arturo reina, juan almendarez bonilla, ramon custodio lopez, anibal puerto, and hector hernandez.    2.  these people will be executed beginning on this date for the sake of love and freedom.  death to communism!

democratic patriotic committees

our organization's disciplinary tribunal

alianza de accion anticomunista

jorge arturo reina

juan almendarez bonilla

ramon custodio lopez

anibal puerto

hector hernandez


Input: according to military sources and people who arrived today in ayacucho from the la mar area, 44 peasants have been killed in two townships of la mar province, ayacucho department.    yesterday a column of shining path terrorists arrived in the village of chinchipe, in the jungle province of la mar, and shot 16 peasants who were members of the peasant patrols that oppose the terrorists.    the shining path guerrillas, who burned murdered peasants' houses, charged them with collaborating with the army.  the town of chinchipe is 220 km north of ayacucho.    travellers arriving from la mar province said that on 23 september 28 bodies of alleged peasants were found near the town of chullas.    the bodies showed signs of torture and bullet wounds but the identity of the murderers apparently could not be determined.

column of shining path terrorists

murderers

shining path

houses

torture


Input: the new second in command of the 3d infantry regiment based at la tablada, major hector musio, will be installed this afternoon.  he replaces major horacio fernandez cutiello who was killed during the attack on the 3d regiment on 23 january.    musio will be the acting commanding officer because commander jorge samudio was injured on 23 january while heading a group of officers including noncommissioned officers who were repelling the terrorists' attack from the rear of the regiment grounds. (passage omitted)


Input: according to a claim made by the minister of interior, migration, and justice, juan carlos duran, 1988 was a "positive year," because the government managed to score achievements in the economic area as well as in defense of the democratic system existing in bolivia.    the minister remarked:  "i believe that it was a year of full accomplishment, a very positive and very good year"; he added that the months of the current fiscal year represented progress for the government in state administration tasks.    he explained that greater consolidation was achieved in the economic area, making it possible for the efforts intended to reinforce bolivia's political system to be well aimed.    he claimed that a system such as the one in force in our nation has enabled the citizens to enjoy "absolute freedom," something that has been underscored not only in our country, but in the nations of the entire world as well.    he noted that the government has not had to resort to any unusual action to defend democracy.  he recalled martial law had not been ordered, attesting to progress in the national consciousness.    he commented:  "bolivia is an exemplary country in terms of freedom," stressing the benefits this nation has experienced by having a democratic system in which everyone has an opportunity to disagree even with the executive branch.    he said that the citizens as a whole have found it necessary for rights to be recognized and obligations accepted.  for this reason, he claimed, the present government has made it possible to achieve stability in the various fields of activity, something that will have far more visible effects in the near future. drug trafficking    with regard to the battle against the drug traffic, he cited the work performed by the special forces to battle drug trafficking which, according to his account, destroyed hundred of cocaine factories and processing pits, in addition to confiscating drugs and arresting persons linked with their production or illicit trafficking.    he declared that, despite its economic and technical limitations, bolivia has managed to respond to the international confidence and to foster a consciousness aimed at improving the methods for combating drug traffickers. robbery    the minister announced that the santa cruz police had mobilized in a "combing operation," to find the perpetrators of the robbery of a car on the track of the eastern railroad system from which 130,000 bolivianos, intended to pay christmas bonuses, was stolen.    he said that the armed forces and police were still complying with instructions to eradicate the crime that has been occurring on a large scale during recent months in the city of santa cruz, and to benefit the eastern population with protection.    he explained that the police have been taking statements from individuals who may have seen the holdup men at close range, so as to capture them promptly.

holdup men

car on the track of the eastern railroad system


Input: the chilean foreign ministry has categorically rejected the u.s. decision to cite a treaty signed with chile in 1914, to turn the murder case of former chilean foreign minister orlando letelier over to an international committee of jurists.    this statement was made by foreign minister hernan felipe errazuriz, who added that the chilean government is handling the situation in a serious and professional manner.    (begin recording) (errazuriz) yes, on 12 january we received a diplomatic note which we are now studying.  we categorically reject the implicit pressure on something we are handling in a serious and professional manner.  we have granted all possible cooperation in accordance with our rights and international law. (end recording)    in view of this situation, the foreign ministry issued an official statement which says that the 1914 treaty is being studied to see whether or not it is applicable.    the statement adds that the terms used by the u.s. state department spokesman last monday in referring to this matter represent a distorted and partial view, reflecting the desire to impose a position disregarding international law and the domestic laws of other countries.    the foreign ministry statement concludes by saying that the chilean courts are processing a rogatory letter submitted through normal diplomatic channels, having to do with the proceedings being carried out in the united states on this criminal case.

orlando letelier


Input: a bomb exploded in a pilmaiquen alley destroying windows and water pipes.    according to unofficial reports, the bomb contained 125 to 150 grams of tnt and was placed in the back of the pilmaiquen telephone company building.    the explosion occurred at 2350 on 16 january, causing panic but no casualties.    the explosion broke windows of the telephone company offices.  it also destroyed a public telephone booth and water pipes.    witnesses reported that the bomb was planted by two individuals wearing sports clothes, who escaped into the night.  security personnel are preparing sketches of the suspects based on eyewitness descriptions.

two individuals wearing sports clothes

water pipes

pilmaiquen telephone company building

public telephone booth

125 to 150 grams of tnt


Input: it has been officially confirmed that two leaders of the leftist patriotic union (up) were killed by unknown persons near rio blanco municipality, tolima department.    it was learned that cristobal perez and ruben dario ramirez were shot to death by a group of heavily armed men.    so far this year, 12 members of the up, the largest leftist political force in colombia, have been killed by rightist paramilitary groups. since the up was founded in 1985, approximately 900 of its members have been murdered.    according to the administrative department of security (das), a rightist paramilitary group is responsible for the massacre of 12 persons last wednesday.  the 12 were members of a legal commission investigating nearly 30 cases of murders and disappearances of peasant leaders, some of them up members, in several municipalities of northeastern colombia.

group of heavily armed men

rightist paramilitary group

cristobal perez

ruben dario ramirez


Input: patriotic union (up) president bernardo jaramillo ossa today revealed that the government warned him of a plot to murder him at el dorado airport upon his return from cuba.    after returning home from the airport on saturday night, bernardo jaramillo received another death threat over the telephone.  today, following additional evidence to substantiate the threat, the authorities stepped up security measures for jaramillo.  an armored vehicle, 2 station wagons, 2 motorcycles, and 15 men, armed to the teeth and not more than 30 years old, have become jaramillo's guardian angels.    (begin recording) (gutierrez) are you afraid?    (jaramillo) i have always said that only bad people are afraid. however, i will tell you quite honestly that i would be more afraid if i had decided to leave the country.  i am determined to remain in colombia and to continue working for democracy and peace.    (gutierrez) do you feel that the government is giving you enough protection?    (jaramillo) one thing is the direct protection efficiently provided by the administrative department of security, and another thing is the government's policy for eliminating these problems.  i do not believe the government's policy for dismantling the paramilitary groups is appropriate.    (gutierrez) when you leave your home, do you feel it is your last day?    (jaramillo) i have always been an optimist; i also believe that you will die when you least expect it.  when i walk out of my home, i take all the necessary precautions. (end recording)    jaramillo said his two sons, who do not live in bogota, called to say they wanted to see him.  jaramillo told them to stay away; he fears that a surprise attack can happen at any time and that his family and friends may become the victims of this never-ending war.

bernardo jaramillo ossa


Input: four officials who had started to investigate the killing of 12 judicial officials near la rochela, in santander department have resigned because of threats.  however, various entities continue to investigate the crime.    death hangs over barrancabermeja.  the judge appointed to investigate the killings of the 12 judicial officials was threatened today. yesterday, two individuals riding a red motorcycle threatened two investigators during the funeral of (words indistinct) held in barrancabermeja oil port.  in spite of these incidents, a 15-member team, including two judges and three members of the judicial police, are examining evidence found in la rochela, where the crime was committed.    the national director of the criminal investigations department flew in a helicopter to inspect the site and looked on as evidence was gathered.  a poster of alvaro gomez hurtado and several empty ar-15 and 9-mm cartridges were found on a highway, as well as a card with a name on it.  it has not been determined yet if these objects belonged to the victims or to the criminals.    colleagues of the 12 who were murdered carefully sifted through the soil, looking for more evidence.    (begin recording) (unidentified official) we must investigate this scientifically; in other words, we must apply science to this.  the evidence will tell us what happened. (end recording)    relatives of the murder victims went to the judicial police office in barrancabermeja to demand the victims' clothing, identification cards, and even a typewriter they were planning to use to report on the investigations of the 56 killings that have taken place in this part of the middle magdalena area.    it has been 4 days since the killing and no one has been arrested. however, the judges and the criminal investigations department officials are here, trying to gather evidence that will clear up this crime.

two individuals riding a red motorcycle


Input: a search is on for an epl (popular liberation army) unit that yesterday incinerated five members of a national police patrol in (word indistinct), risaralda department.  the policemen burned to death inside their vehicle in la selva, a few kilometers from chinchilla.    the policemen, who will be buried today, were lieutenant jesus antonio cordoba, antonio guillen, rubiano wapaxmayo, jorge perez gallegos, and oscar castano tamayo.


Input: el tiempo has learned that oil revenue dropped by $201.1 million in 1988, while gasoline imports jumped from $99.5 million in 1987 to $155.7 million in 1988.    the reduction in revenue is due to a drop in the international price of oil as well as a drop in sales due to terrorist attacks on the cano limon-covenas oil pipeline.    the report added that colombia exported 53.3 million barrels of oil in 1988, while it exported 51.8 million barrels in 1987.    according to final reports, colombian oil exports in 1988 amounted to $694.5 million, as compared to $895.6 million in 1987.