From: Andrew Lang <lang@igc.apc.org>
Subject: Action Alert - FMLN Security Offic
Followup-To: alt.activism.d
Originator: daemon@pencil.cs.missouri.edu
Organization: ?
Date: Fri, 20 Nov 1992 00:47:56 GMT

/* Written  7:24 am  Nov 19, 1992 by cispesnatl@igc.apc.org in igc:carnet.alerts */
/* ---------- "Action Alert - FMLN Security Offic" ---------- */
 
Urgent Action Alert                               November 18, 1992
 
 
FMLN Security Officer Assassinated
Cristiani Plans to Send in Army to Protect Coffee Growers in
Violation of the Peace Accords
 
Yesterday at 7:15 a.m. Jose Arnulfo Garcia Gamez, member of an FMLN
security team charged with protecting one of the Commanders, was
assassinated.  Garcia Gamez was shot twice in the back of the head
with 9mm bullets by an unknown assailant while riding on Bus Route
# 26 in the vicinity of San Miguelito in San Salvador. The murder
was not precipitated by a fight or argument; nothing was taken from
the victim.  His wake was held yesterday at the UNTS office.
 
The assassination of Garcia Gamez, age 24, has been denounced by
the FMLN as a continuation of the right wing attacks on the popular
movement, and the Peace Accords.  The death was preceded by an
article by right wing journalist, Kirio Waldo Salgado, which
accused the FMLN of suffering from serious internal conflict.  It
is believed that the murder of Garcia Gamez was carried out soon
after the appearance of this article to create an image of strong
divisions within the FMLN.
 
In a continued pattern of non-compliance with the Peace Accords,
President Cristiani has announced his plans to send in troops to
protect the owners of the coffee plantations.  Coffee pickers and
sugar cane workers alike have been organizing with local trade
union federations to demand an increase in their daily wage and the
amount given for each pound of harvest.  
 
According to the Peace Accords, the role of the armed forces is to
protect national sovereignty.  Maintenance of internal peace and
public order is the responsibility of the National Civilian Police.
Cristiani's decision to deploy troops to the plantations not only
violates the Salvadoran Constitution and the peace agreement, but
it also demonstrates his willingness to resort to the same tactics
that spurred the original conflict 12 years ago.
 
 
SUGGESTED ACTION
 
1. Call, fax, or telex President Cristiani to demand an
investigation into the assassination of Jose Arnulfo Garcia Gamez
and urge him not to deploy troops to the plantations.
Phone: 011-503-71-1555  Fax: 011-503-71-0950  Telex: 20245
 
2. Call or write your Congressperson to urge them to call or write
Cristiani and the State Department to demand an investigation into
the murder of Garcia Gamez and denounce the deployment of the
troops to the plantations and violations of the Peace Accords. 
Congressional Switchboard (202) 224-3121
 
3. Collect signers and donations for the paid advertisement being
published in El Salvador on December 15.  If you need a copy of the
text check Peacenet or call your regional or national office.
 
4. Participate in the CISPES 30 Day Emergency Campaign to Defend
the Peace Accords.  For details call your regional or local office.
 
National Office (202) 265-0890      
New England Office (617) 524-1166
Mid Atlantic Office (212) 229-1290  
Mid-West Office (312) 227-2587
Western States Office (415) 648-6520
Newsgroups: misc.activism.progressive