Copyright © 1998 NLThomas
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TUCSON, Ariz. -- The Indigenous Alliance Without Borders praised the audacity of Italian human rights observers who forged past a Mexican roadblock and vowed to block Europe's free trade agreement with Mexico because of its human rights violations.

Forty members of the 135-member group, including four members of Italy's parliament, were exiled Saturday (May 9) after refusing to halt at a military checkpoint and journeying to an autonomous village ransacked by the government.

Praising the tenacity of the Italians, Joe Garcia, governor of the O'odham Nation in Sonora, Mex., said, "We need more people like the Italians!"

"The European Free Trade Agreement is something Mexico really wants. This is a way of telling them that either they negotitate with the Zapatistas or forget about free trade with Europe," Gov. Garcia said.

Gov. Garcia is cofounder of Indigenous Alliance Without Borders, Alianza Indigena Sin Fronteras, advocates of the civil rights and human rights of Indigenous peoples.

The Italians, members of Ya Basta (Enough Already) wore neon yellow vests, emblazoned with the words "We are all Indians." Some wore bandages over their eyes and ears to protest government restrictions on their travel.

After forging past the roadblock to carry on to Taniperlas, five members fainted before their eight buses were freed by Mexican legislators. When they reached the village, they were attacked by pro-government Indians weilding sticks and machetes. Some were punched until Zapatista women came to their rescue.

Taniperlas was among 30 self-run anutonomous villages stormed by more than 1,000 troops of the Mexican government last month as they expelled foreginers. Mayans fled and now live in exile in the jungles and mountains, while some women struggle to hold onto villages.

Referring to them as "professional provacteurs, delinquents and revolutionary tourists," Mexico expelled 40 members of the Italian human rights delegation May 9 when they sought to extend their visas.

After expulsion, the group vowed to block a free trade accord between Mexico and the European Union. They are scheduled to meet with members of the European Parliament May 13.

The brazen actions of the Italian delegation brought delight to Indigneous peoples gathered for the opening of Cafe Cultural in Tucson Saturday. Tucson-restaurant owner Maria Garcia presented the South Tucson center as a gift to human rights groups working along the border and in Mexico.

Thrilled with their efforts, Ms. Garcia said, "I admire the Italians' bravery. We welcome them to come and work with us. The struggle is not over!" The Tarascan Indian from Michoacan, Mex., is spokeswoman for the seven tribes in Sonora, Mex.

Gov. Garcia, husband of Maria, condemned Mexico's new regulations on human rights observers.

Under new regulations, human rights observers must seek special visas 60 days before visiting Mexico. Groups will be limited to 10 members and must be invited by a Mexican group.

Gov. Garcia said, "Anything had happen in 60 days."

And in Mexico, it does.

Within five hours, the village of Acteal, Chiapas, was massacred by paramilitary forces in December. Women and children were among the 45 Mayans slaughtered. The unborn fetus of one woman was cut from her womb and hacked to pieces.

Jose Matus, Yaqui ceremonial leader and cofounder of the Alliance, urged Canada and European Nations to pressure Mexico, based on free trade agreements and negotiations, to uphold the civil rights and human rights of Mexico's Indigenous peoples.

The Garcias have been invited participants in the peace talks between the Zapatistas and Mexican government since 1994. Matus joined the Garcias in a human rights delegation to Chiapas in 1995, before forming the Alliance in August, 1997.

Meanwhile, when the Italians arrived in Mexico, they carried slogans proclaiming, "Long live international solidarity against bad government."