NetNews Usenet Archive 1993 #1/NN_1993_1.iso/spool/misc/activism/progress/9859

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From: [e-mail] (Rich Winkel)
Subject: Guatemala: Feb 1st National Call-in Day to Washington
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/** carnet.congres: 21.0 **/
** Topic: Legislative Alert on Guatemala **
** Written  2:56 pm  Jan  8, 1993 by nisgua in cdp:carnet.congres **

1993 Legislative Update on Guatemala #1
January 6, 1993

Legislative Action Alert:

February 1, 1993: National Call-in Day to Washington

   NISGUA and Canadian solidarity, NGO, and faith-based
organizations have declared January 31, 1993 International Day of
Solidarity with the People of Guatemala.  The Day will
commemorate the courageous, yet costly struggle of
Guatemalans seeking justice on the anniversary of the army's
burning of the Spanish Embassy.  On January 31, 1980 39 people
were killed during a non-violent occupation of the Embassy where
they were protesting land tenure policies and the
militarization of indigenous communities.  The dramatically
skewed distribution of land and military domination in rural
areas are today key sources of injustice in Guatemala.

   Canadian, European and U.S. organizations will commemorate the
day by hosting events to increase the visibility of Guatemala to
their community, policymakers, and the media.  In the United
States, educational and cultural events will take place to
raise awareness and to celebrate the accomplishments of those
working for democracy and peace.  The January 31 events will
culminate in the National Call-in Day to Washington on February
1, 1993.

   On Monday, February 1, grassroots activists from around the
country will contact the White House and State Department, as
well as their Representatives and Senators to express their
concerns about U.S. policy toward Guatemala.  The February 1
call-in to Washington comes at an especially important time --
the new Congress will be settling in to their committee
assignments, and the Clinton Administration will be in its first
days at the foreign policy helm.

   Although Guatemala and Central America may not rank at the top
of the policy agenda in Washington, the call-in day is designed
to emphasize to officials that the U.S. public wants significant
human rights progress and real democracy to emerge in Guatemala
this year.  The U.S. has a historic responsibility to democracy
and human rights in Guatemala, especially given its role in the
country's 1954 coup d'etat which deposed Guatemala's democratic
presidency and ushered in 30 years of military dictatorship.  The
U.S. support for the Guatemalan military in the 1950s and 1960s
enabled it to consolidate its power and impunity to the extent
that today it still undermines prospects for real democracy and
peace in Guatemala.

   Guatemala enters 1993 with significant momentum for peace and
reconciliation.  This surge of energy was greatly enhanced last
year by the campaign of 500 Years of Indigenous, Black, and
Popular Resistance which was heightened further at the end of the
year with human rights leader-in-exile Rigoberta Menchu being
awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.  In 1993, the reconciliation and
peace process will be furthered by the beginning of the return of
Guatemalan refugees now living in southern Mexico.

   This clamor for peace, despite its depth, faces significant
constraints given the intransigence of the Guatemalan military.
The peace talks between the military, the government and the URNG
guerrillas are on the brink of collapse.  The Guatemalan army has
received the commitment of the Israeli government for the sale of
weapons and military training.  In addition, the army has
recently launched military offensives in regions of the country
where refugees are scheduled to resettle.

   With strong human rights initiatives and consistent pressure,
the U.S. can and should play a decisive role in favor of peace
and real democracy in Guatemala.

**********************************

NATIONAL CALL-IN DAY TO WASHINGTON FEBRUARY 1, 1993

1. Contact the White House and the State Department to urge that:


Respect for human rights be the goal of U.S. policy in Guatemala,
and that the Administration's support the peace negotiations to
promote democracy and human rights there.

Specifically, the Clinton Administration should assist the peace
and reconciliation process by offering its full support to
guarantee the safe return of Guatemalan refugees from Mexico.

White House:
[phone] or [phone] (switchboard)
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500

State Department
Guatemala Desk: [phone]
Switchboard: [phone]
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, DC  20520

2. Contact your Representative and Senators.

Inform them that, according to the U.S. State Department, the
Guatemalan "security forces are responsible for the vast majority
of human rights violations."  Remind them that it is the
responsibility of Congress to enact legislation that pressures
the Guatemalan government and the military to respect human
rights.  Urge that they support legislation that places the
tightest restrictions on economic aid and prohibits the delivery
of any form of military assistance, including pipeline aid and
commercial arms sales.

Urge that they monitor the return of the Guatemalan refugees from
Mexico and that they notify the Guatemalan government of their
concern regarding the lack of progress in the peace negotiations.

Capitol Switchboard: [phone]
Your Representative
United States House of
Representatives
Washington, DC  20515

Your Senator
United States Senate
Washington, DC  20510

**********************

The Legislative Update series in produced by NISGUA, the Network
in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala.  To subscribe to the
series please send your mailing address and the $8/year
subscription fee to NISGUA, P.O. Box 6069, Washington, DC 20005.
** End of text from cdp:carnet.congres **