Forwarded message:
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (dave robinson)
Subject: Press Release 2
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Date: Fri, 25 Nov 94 10:03:56 EST
This press release was issued by the Council of Canadians yesterday.
MEDIA RELASE For immediate release
November 23, 1994
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PETITIONED TO RESPOND TO RISING HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
AND CHARGES OF ELECTORAL FRAUD IN CHIAPAS
(OTTAWA) - "Evictions, violent repression, torture and suspicion of
electoral fraud are on the rise in Mexico and the Canadian government has
a responsibility as signatory of a North American political and economic
partnership to draw attention and promote a democratic response," says
Maude Barlow, National Chairperson of the Council of Canadians.
The Council of Canadians has been made aware of a massive military buildup
in Chiapas, peasants forcibly moved from their land, increasingly armed
confrontations provoked by large land owners, charges of electoral rigging
and serious government breeches of the peace accord signed by Salinas and
the Zapatistas earlier this year. Popular organizations are threatening
to launch a large-scale armed resistance effort if these issues are not
addressed in a peaceful and democratic manner.
Popular organizations in Mexico are hoping that leadership by the
governments of the NAFTA signatories how affirmed a commitment to support
democratic development in Mexico will respond in such a way that the
Mexican government feels compelled to bring an end to the human rights
violations and constructively and fairly addresses the question of
electoral irregularities.
The Council of Canadians is calling on the federal government to raise
these issues with the political leaders of Mexico and United States
immediately and place them on the agenda at the Meeting of the Americas in
Miami on December 9 and 10 in hopes that they can respond peacefully and
democratically to avoid growing pressure for a civil war.
-30-
For more information: Maude Barlow or Alex Boston (613) 233-2773
