And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Kathy Kern, Rochester, NY) CPTnet August 6, 1999 CHIAPAS: Peacemaker Delegation Arrives in Chiapas A Christian Peacemaker Teams delegation comprised of four North Americans arrived in San Cristobal de las Casas on Monday, August 2. The group is in Chiapas to learn about the systemic and social roots of oppression and to support the nonviolent indigenous struggle for justice. This week, the delegation will be traveling to the community of Acteal, where 45 unarmed Tzotzil indigenous people were massacred on December 22, 1997. In Acteal and the neighboring communities of Polh and Majomut, the group intends to visit people on different sides in the conflict, and attend a farewell celebration for Bishop Samuel Ruiz, who retires in November. The delegation will meet with representatives of different non-governmental organizations to explore the background and present reality of violence in Chiapas. The violence has roots dating back to the Spanish invasion of Mayan lands in the mid-1500s. Since that time, indigenous Mayans have faced relentless racism, slavery, attacks, and theft of land. The Mexican government, through military and aligned paramilitary groups, is waging a "dirty war" against the Zapatista-led movement for justice, resulting in many civilian deaths and thousands of refugees, with training and support from the U.S. military. The Zapatista rebellion has taken on global implications as a movement against globalization (and specifically against NAFTA). People in Chiapas are standing up for their communities and their culture and rejecting an economic model that values capital and profit over people. In an interview with the delegation, a refugee and leader of the nonviolent Abejas (Bees) organization stated, "The struggle we have is not only for Chiapas not only for Mexico but for the world." Delegation members include Nelda Nelson-Eaton (Chicago, IL); Paul Neufeld Weaver (Worthington, MN); Drane Reynolds (Homestead, FL); and Chris Schweitzer (Philadelphia, PA). CPT has maintained an ongoing presence in Chiapas, Mexico, since June 1998. Current team members include Matt Guynn (Richmond, IN); Anne Herman (Binghamton, NY); Esther Ho (Hayward, CA); William Payne (Toronto, ON); and Pierre Shantz (Elmira, PQ). _______________________ Christian Peacemaker Teams is an initiative among Mennonite and Church of the Brethren congregations and Friends Meetings that supports violence reduction efforts around the world. CPT has maintained a presence in Chiapas, Mexico, since June 1998. E: [EMAIL PROTECTED] / Contact CPT, POB 6508 Chicago, IL 60680, TEL 312-455-1199 FAX 312-666-2677 / To receive news or discussion of CPT issues by e-mail, fill out the form found on our WEB page at http://www.prairienet.org/cpt/ Reprinted under the Fair Use http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.html doctrine of international copyright law. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Tsonkwadiyonrat (We are ONE Spirit) Unenh onhwa' Awayaton http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/ UPDATES: CAMP JUSTICE http://shell.webbernet.net/~ishgooda/oglala/ &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
