From: Andrew Lang <lang@igc.apc.org>
Subject: CISPES Urgent Action Alert
Followup-To: alt.activism.d
Originator: daemon@pencil.cs.missouri.edu
Organization: ?
Date: Mon, 4 Jan 1993 23:05:37 GMT

/* Written  3:05 pm  Jan  4, 1993 by cispesnatl@igc.apc.org in igc:carnet.alerts */
/* ---------- "CISPES Urgent Action Alert" ---------- */
Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador (CISPES)
National Office (202) 265-0890
 
Urgent Action Alert                January 4, 1993
 
Salvadoran Government Misses Deadline for Implementation of
Military Purge
 
On December 31, the Salvadoran government missed the deadline
established by the peace agreement for the implementation of the
civilian purge of the military.  The Military General Order issued
on New Year's Eve by the Defense Ministry, failed to include the
list of over 100 officers recommended for dismissal or transfer by
the Ad Hoc Commission.  According to the Washington Post, "The
failure was widely viewed as a demonstration that despite the end
of the war, the military retains veto power over civilian decisions
that affect the armed forces."
 
The United Nations has responded by issuing a statement denouncing
the Salvadoran government for its action, calling it a clear
violation of the peace agreement.  Likewise, Archbishop Rivera y
Damas denounced the Salvadoran government for its non-compliance
with the Accords, and demanded full implementation of the civilian
purge of the military.  Meanwhile, the State Department has been
trying to minimize the severity of this crisis by maintaining that
the peace process is moving forward, and the current deadlock
around the purge will be resolved in just a few days.
 
In early December, Cristiani attempted to negotiate with the FMLN
to allow 14 officers named on the list, including Defense Minister
Ponce, to remain for at least six months while the others would be
gradually removed over a period of several months.  In return the
government offered monetary incentives to the FMLN.  On December
22, the FMLN rejected this attempted evasion of the civilian purge
of the military.  Strongly maintaining that the purge must be
carried out, the FMLN may be willing to accept a longer transition
period in which officers are gradually removed and transferred.
 
SUGGESTED ACTION
 
1. Contact members of Congress asking them to call or write to the
State Department and President Cristiani demanding the full
implementation of the purge in a timely manner, and reaffirming the
commitment expressed by the Moakley-Pelosi Dear Colleague letter to
condition all aid to the El Salvador on compliance with the Peace
Accords.  Ask your Representative to call Rep. David Obey (D-WI)
and ask him to follow through on his commitment to link future
disbursements of aid to full implementation of the Accords.  Ask
your Senators to call Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Christopher Dodd (D-
CT) and ask them to withhold all aid from the Salvadoran government
until full compliance with the Accords has been achieved.
 - Pitches can be made at Caravan events asking people to call or
write to their members of Congress.
 
President Cristiani Phone: 011-503-71-1555  Fax: 011-503-71-0950
Telex: 20245
Congressional Switchboard 202-224-3121
 
2. Get Letters to the Editor and Opinion Editorials around this
crisis published in your local newspaper.  Check with the National
or Regional offices for a copy of the latest press release.
Newsgroups: misc.activism.progressive