Copyright © 2000 NLThomas
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CHIAPAS, MEXICO - Today, August 10, 2000, over 1,000 members of the Bees-- the pacifist organization of indigenous Mayans--are expected to participate in a march through the city of San Cristobal de Las Casas. At the same time, representatives of the Bees will take the group's demands to the Governor's office in the state capital of Tuxtla Gutierrez.

The demands include the following:

* disarmament of paramilitaries

* demilitarization of the state of Chiapas

* honoring of the San Andres accords

* a justice that holds government officials accountable for the crimes that led to and culminated in the Acteal massacre

* the immediate payment by the state of Chiapas to the Bees of damages for which the Mexican government was found responsible in court. The Mexican government has already remitted the payment of the these indemnities to the state government of Chiapas, but the state has not yet given the money to the victims.

Members of the Christian Peacemaker Team based in Chiapas will be present for the march. They have set up a web site dedicated to the day's activities that includes an English translation of the Bees' statement that will be read during the march, articles and stories from a recent CPT delegation and a sample letter to Chiapas Governor Roberto Albores Guillen. The site will be updated during the day with photographs and other items of interest.

To access the page, please go to: Chiapas ~ Bee March