From: rich@pencil.cs.missouri.edu (Rich Winkel)
Subject: EL RESCATE REPORT August 17-24, 1992
Followup-To: alt.activism.d
Originator: rich@pencil.cs.missouri.edu
Organization: PACH
Date: Sat, 29 Aug 1992 02:14:08 GMT

/** reg.elsalvador: 166.0 **/
** Topic: report from el salvador 8-17-24-92 **
** Written  2:42 pm  Aug 27, 1992 by elrescate in cdp:reg.elsalvador **
 EL RESCATE HUMAN RIGHTS DEPARTMENT

REPORT FROM EL SALVADOR
August 17-24, 1992

U.N. Assistant Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Marrack Goulding, 
left the country on August 17 demanding "concrete actions on the ground" 
from both sides during the coming month. (1) Agreements on rescheduling 
the calendar of implementation were not reached before his departure but 
Goulding said negotiation sessions between the government and FMLN with 
Dr. Iqbal Riza as mediator would continue and compliance will be 
evaluated by the Secretary-General on September 16. "This is a month 
during which both sides should demonstrate a practical commitment to 
comply with the accords," emphasized Goulding. (2)

An ARENA delegation led by Dr. Armando Calderon Sol attended the 
Republican Convention in Texas this week, (3) while rumors circulated of 
intense struggles inside the party. Colonel Sigifredo Ochoa Perez resigned 
as President of CEL apparently at the request of President Cristiani and, 
according to unconfirmed reports, may be named Ambassador to Canada or 
return to the Assembly as a deputy. (4) There are unconfirmed press 
reports that General Mauricio Vargas or Guillermo Sol Bang (5) may 
succeed Ochoa in the post. (6)

For the second time since the peace agreement was signed anti-riot police 
were deployed to control a labor demonstration. Construction workers 
belonging to a FENASTRAS union (SOICSES), have been on strike for a 
month at a supermarket construction site. On August 19 the workers were 
demonstrating in front of the office of the development company when the 
anti-riot squads marched in. Rocks were thrown, several were people 
injured and eight were arrested. "This is not the way to resolve labor 
problems," commented a FENASTRAS leader. (7)


"The situation is critical and very sensitive, especially in all that refers 
to ending military dominance." 
Schafik Handal (8)

"There is no magic here. The crisis is in their minds."
General Mauricio Vargas (9)

Describing the meetings with Mr. Goulding as "transcendental," Schafik 
Handal reported that the U.N. will take a "more active and energetic role" 
in the country. He acknowledged, however, that no agreements had been 
reached and charged that the military was attempting to "hegemonize" the 
National Civil Police. According to Roberto Roca, a date had not been set 
for the demobilization of the second contingent of FMLN combatants; the 
important thing, he contended, is the calendar "in general" and compliance 
with the "necessary social, economic, political conditions" for the 
incorporation of ex-combatants. "The functioning of the PNC and a real 
reduction of the Armed Forces are indispensable." (10) The FMLN leaders 
expressed satisfaction with the September 16 evaluation deadline by the 
Secretary General. (11)

Mr. Goulding's visit was "opportune," declared General Mauricio Vargas, 
because the non-compliance of the FMLN is "transcendental." He dismissed 
charges by the FMLN that the government had not honored 46 accords: 
"They need to pull the cobwebs from their heads," he remarked, "there is 
no charity or privilege here." Vargas accused the FMLN of inventing crises: 
"The crises are cyclical ... to create tensions and destabilize the process." 
(12)

President Cristiani admitted there are problems but said "they all have 
solutions," and added, "Salvadoran people need to have confidence in the 
process and its advance." (13) The President called on the FMLN to be 
"more realistic" and conveyed that he was pleased with the September 16 
evaluation date. "The U.N. will see we have accelerated to the maximum." 
(14) Asked about the future of ONUSAL in the country, the President 
indicated the Mission will be dismantled "little by little" and will 
continue to work "in all its areas" after the October 31 deadline. (15)

In his last interview before departing for another post, Mexican 
Ambassador Hermilio Bassols said the peace process will advance, "with 
limitations and slip-ups." The reconciliation process has begun, "but is 
insufficient" and requires more effort. Bassols insisted the government 
needs additional financial resources in order to implement the peace 
agreements and suggested that President Cristiani use his visit to the 
United Nations in September to pressure for fulfillment of financial 
commitments. "We believe categorically," concluded the ambassador, "that 
the U.S. has an [economic] obligation to the Latin American countries." (16)

Goulding's visit gave "new vitality" to the process, explained jurist Dr. 
Francisco Lima. "When children fight, the father puts things in order and 
gets them on the right track again." Lima predicted, however, that the 
"most difficult" time is yet to come, referring particularly to land issues 
and "constant differences" over interpretation of the accords. (17)


"Concrete and urgent measures."
ONUSAL Press Release (18)

In New York, U.N. Secretary-General Boutros Ghali expressed concern about 
the situation but said it was "not alarming." He announced that the U.N. 
ambassadors from the U.S., United Kingdom and France would meet with 
Marrack Goulding in the near future to discuss the peace process. (19)

On August 21 ONUSAL reported that a series of measures "to assure the 
accelerated execution" of delayed agreements would be implemented. The 
press release said the FMLN agreed to complete the "total concentration" 
of combatants and storage of all weapons. The government will initiate 
assistance programs for ex-combatants and the first class of PNC cadets 
will begin in order to deploy the new police force "as rapidly as possible." 
The government also acceded to initiate the process of transfers of state 
lands as well as the verification and purchase of private lands in 
conflictive zones.

Both sides agreed on measures to "rapidly re-establish" public 
administration in conflictive zones and to "define" the public security 
situation in those areas. Steps will be taken to eliminate the Armed 
Forces' Territorial Service which will be replaced by a new system of 
Military Service and Reserves.

Other agreements announced by ONUSAL included the promotion by both 
sides of all pending legislative measures emanating from the Peace 
Accords, intensification of efforts to look for international funding to 
implement the accords and efforts to "facilitate" the incorporation of the 
private sector into the Economic/Social Forum. ONUSAL concluded saying 
both sides "showed signs of the necessary flexibility" to find solutions. 
(20)

On August 21 the 350 FMLN combatants who had been outside the 
designated sites performing public security duties in conflictive zones 
were concentrated, and an FMLN spokesperson announced the schedule for 
further demobilization: twenty percent each on September 21 and 30, 
October 15 and the final 20% on October 31. (21) Salvador Samayoa 
warned, however, that the schedule allows only 25 days to complete "a 
compressed series of actions," and asserted that the demobilization will 
take place "only if the setbacks are overcome." (22) According to Gerson 
Martinez of the FMLN Political Committee the government agreed to 
comply with 42 of the pending accords. (23)

Bishop Rosa Chavez commented on the current state of the peace process, 
saying he hoped the will to comply predominates. "but I don't think it is 
realistic to expect a honeymoon." (24)


"I fought so everyone could be happy. For me, this is not happiness."
FMLN Ex-Combatant (25)

On August 18 the National Secretariat for Reconstruction, through CREA 
("Creative Associates," a non-governmental organization), distributed a 
"basic package" of household items and agricultural tools to ex-
combatants concentrated in the "Ciudadela Guillermo Ungo" in Guazapa. The 
"packages," said to be valued at $700 each, included cooking utensils, gas 
stoves and tanks, agricultural tools, bedding, a table and chairs. (26)

"This isn't what we fought for," declared one combatant. "I want to be very 
clear that this isn't everything for us. The most important thing is 
compliance with the accords." (27) A commander agreed that the package 
was insufficient and said the issues of land, housing, education and 
training must be resolved. (28) The land problem, said Commander 
Francisco Jovel, does not only involve the transfer of land to ex-
combatants: "The fundamental issue is to resolve the agrarian problem for 
the whole country." (29)

According to the Minister of Agriculture, properties over 245 hectares 
represent only 10% of the land needed to resolve the land needs of "7500 
ex-FMLN combatants and 20,000 ex-soldiers." Minister Cabrales announced 
that verification of the FMLN land inventory will begin next week but will 
take three to four months," and the government still must look for funding 
to purchase properties. (30)


Hunger and the social and economic situation are forcing us to go to the 
streets."
Carlos Batres, ALFAES (31)

War-disabled veterans of the FMLN and Armed Forces presented a joint 
proposal to the Assembly on August 19th for legislation which would 
provide indemnities, education and health care to the estimated 12,000 
total disabled ex-combatants of both sides. Gregorio Abarca of ASALDIG 
said the 3000 FMLN 'lisiados' are "in a very precarious situation" and have 
not received any assistance. (32)

IPSFA (Pensions Institute of the Armed Forces) is required to provide for 
disabled veterans, but according to Carlos Batres of ALFAES, soldiers are 
"discriminated against" while officers receive full benefits and 
compensation. Batres responded to charges made by General Ponce last 
week that the members of ALFAES are being "manipulated by the left," 
saying, "no one here is being manipulated." (33) Later in the week General 
Juan Orlando Zepeda repeated the charges of manipulation and insisted the 
demands of ALFAES represent "an ideological political position." (34) 
According to Zepeda, 24 million colones have been paid to date in 
indemnities to soldiers (35) and there is no discrimination. In fact, he 
claimed, soldiers receive more than officers: "If they could compare what 
we give them, why, officers hardly get anything." (36)


"His only reference is that he is a friend of Cristiani."
Ruben Zamora (37)

"It is absurd to question him before his work has begun."
Gloria Salguero Gross, ARENA Deputy(38)

When President Cristiani finally announced his choice as director of the 
National Civil Police on July 31 after months of discussion and delays, no 
information was given as to who Jose Maria Monterrey was or what his 
qualifications were for the crucial post, and no questions were asked by 
the press. On August 18 Monterrey was interviewed for the first time and 
was identified as a businessman and alternate ARENA deputy for the 
department of La Libertad. During the interview, Monterrey stressed his 
administrative capacity and his plan to computerize immigration, police 
and motor vehicle records. (39)

Three weeks following the swearing-in, Ruben Zamora stated he was 
"worried" about the choice of Monterrey, "whose only reference is that he 
is a friend of Freddi Cristiani." (40) PDC deputies called for an 
investigation of the appointment which "violates the law," creating the 
PNC. The legislation stipulates that the director cannot be a member of 
any political party and must have a university degree. ARENA had agreed to 
present confirmation that Monterrey fulfilled the requirements but as of 
August 17 had failed to do so. His nomination, insisted Gerardo Le 
Chevalier, is "unconstitutional" and "null." (41)

The unanswered question is why Monterrey was approved by COPAZ as a 
candidate. According to UDN Deputy Mario Aguinada Carranza, his 
nomination was passed by a 6-4 vote; opposition parties refused to accept 
him without first seeing a resume, but the FMLN furnished the necessary 
votes for a majority decision. (42)

ARENA deputies denounced the PDC's "political maneuver." They insisted 
Jose Maria Monterrey is not a member of the party and as an alternate 
deputy does not need to resign in order to qualify as Director. The PDC 
proposal to investigate Monterrey's appointment is being supported by the 
CD and PCN. (43)


"We do not have any obligation to anyone. Our only obligation is to the 
truth."
Belisario Betancur, Truth Commission (44)

"Honorable sirs, foreigners, members of the Truth Commission"
"Movimiento Civico El Salvador Libre" (45)

The three members of the Truth Commission returned to the country for a 
week-long visit. "We are here to collect testimonies," explained Betancur, 
"not to deepen resentments but to support the truth in a serious and 
responsible way." (46)

Betancur said the members "won't stay inside offices" during their 
monthly visits but will visit areas of the country "which were scenes of 
violations, to receive testimonies." (47) In July the Commission visited 
the site of the Mozote massacre in Morazn and on August 19, Betancur, 
Thomas Buergenthal and Reinaldo Figueredo traveled to Chalatenango to 
meet with survivors of the Sumpul (May 1980) and Guancorito (February 
1990) massacres.

During a breakfast with foreign correspondents the following day, 
Figueredo commented that the Commission is not following the 
methodology of an "equilibrium" in its investigations. "Everything which 
comes to the Commission will be analyzed and processed," he explained. 
Betancur added, "There are no borders or limits. We can't put out fires, but 
we have an immense willingness to contribute to peace." (48) The former 
President of Colombia disclosed that a list of specific cases and 
"symmetry" of investigations were discussed during the negotiations but 
no agreement was reached, so there is "no limit" to the work of the 
Commission: "Even cases protected by the amnesty can be investigated." 
(49)

General Mauricio Vargas described the mission of the Commission as the 
eradication of impunity "from the whole society." He said the "first act of 
impunity" was "the social disobedience of taking up arms and attacking 
the system." Vargas declared there "is no need to fear the truth ... except 
the ideological truth of pseudo-humanitarian organizations ... which have 
played a role in the insurgent project." (50)

Meanwhile, the "Movimiento Civico El Salvador Libre" continues to publish 
declarations challenging the legality of the peace accords. This week two 
statements were published calling on the Truth Commission to investigate 
cases acknowledged by the FMLN: the "assassination of the glorious patriot 
Colonel Domingo Monterrosa and other immortal heroes," (51) and the 
kidnapping and assassination of businessman Roberto Poma. (52) Both 
incidents are explained in books written by FMLN members and published 
by the UCA, according to the declaration.


"We are requesting an extension in order to write our evaluation."
Eduardo Molina Olivares, Ad-Hoc Commission (53)

According to the calendar, the Ad-Hoc Commission was to complete its 
report evaluating all military officers by August 19, but the members 
have asked for a one-month extension. Eduardo Molina explained that the 
additional time is needed to make a "calm evaluation" following an intense 
period of interviews with officers. (54) A request to extend the mandate 
was made last week to Dr. Iqbal Riza and Marrack Goulding; the FMLN has 
agreed, but as of August 19 the government had not responded.

President Cristiani said he agreed in principle to the request, "within 
reason ... The Commission has worked very hard and it would be difficult 
to say no," he told the press on August 18, but he asserted that he had not 
yet received a formal request. (55)

Commission members will travel to New York in mid-September to edit 
their final report "with greater tranquility," Molina announced. The 
document will be presented to the Secretary-General of the United Nations 
and President Cristiani on September 22 and could be made public "at the 
President's discretion" sixty days after it is completed, according to a 
Commission member. (56)


"I haven't lost any sleep over these speculations."
General Mauricio Vargas (57)

"You can't blame a commander who was responsible for a jurisdiction, just 
because a body appeared there."
General Juan Orlando Zepeda (58)

The non-governmental Human Rights Commission (CDHES) demanded the 
removal of "at least" 75 high-ranking officers responsible for "war crimes 
and violations." Celia Medrano named Generals Vargas, Ponce, and Zepeda, 
among others and cautioned that failure to remove the 75 will endanger 
the peace process. The CDHES member said she would not be surprised by 
attempts to destroy the files implicating the officers, but "they will 
never find all the evidence that links these officers to criminal acts and 
violence."(59)

Vargas dismissed the charges, referring to the "biased position" of the 
CDHES "during the entire conflict." The Armed Forces will continue to 
exist, he declared, "even if there are unimaginable things which make you 
grind your teeth." (60) He insisted the military institution has "directly 
collaborated" with the work of the Ad-Hoc Commission by providing 
service records of all officers and participating in interviews. The army 
and government "have even paid the cost" of bringing officers stationed 
abroad back for interviews. (61)

CDHES "is not a trustworthy institution," declared General Juan Orlando 
Zepeda, "it lacks any credibility, everyone knows that they receive orders 
from the FMLN." (62) Zepeda added that the Commission had received a 
report from "Tutela Legal ... on acts by some officers in strategic 
positions," and insisted that alleging jurisdictional responsibility for 
crimes committed under the command of an officer "is not logical." (63)

Colonel Julio Cesar Grijalva, Director of the Military School said the 
CDHES list was "exaggerated and biased," but he expressed "confidence and 
faith" that the Commission will do "impartial work." (64)


"It gave me chills."
Dr. Francisco Lima (65)

During an interview on August 20, jurist Dr. Francisco Lima disclosed that 
he had received a copy of a report presented to the Ad-Hoc and Truth 
Commissions by "North American lawyers" [from El Rescate]. Lima 
explained that the report documents 15,700 summary executions, 2308 
forced disappearances, 1560 cases of torture, 965 cases of arbitrary or 
disproportionate use of force, 11,157 cases of indiscriminate or 
disproportionate attacks against civilians: a total of 31,943 victims plus 
an additional 10,424 cases of arbitrary detention. "This is serious," Lima 
declared, "The Commissions will have to investigate this." (66)



"A spiral of violence ... and strange coincidences."
Dr. Carlos Molina Fonseca, Ombudsman for Human Rights (67)

Dr. Carlos Molina Fonseca called a press conference on August 19 to 
denounce recent assassinations of union leaders, the attempted 
assassination of a member of his staff, Eduardo Pineda on July 31 and the 
"strange coincidence" of an attack against Pineda's wife on August 17th. 
With Pineda still hospitalized and in critical condition, unidentified men 
detained his wife at gunpoint, threatened her and stole her car, which was 
found the following day. "If this is a message to us," declared Fonseca, 
"they are mistaken. These things will only strengthen us." (68) Fonseca 
announced he would meet with the Minister of Justice the folowing day to 
demand "prompt resolution to these crimes." (69) He presented seven 
recent cases to Minister Hernandez Valiente who "promised to 
investigate." (70)

On August 21 Lt. Colonel Rene Ayala of the Criminal Investigation 
Commission announced that both the assassination of FENASTRAS leader 
Ivan Ramirez and the attempted murder of Eduardo Pineda were "common 
crimes." He identified the murderer of Ramirez as David Armando Flores 
Romero, alias "Pupusa," saying Flores has a criminal record and is "at-
large ... possibly in Costa Rica." (71)

The violence continued this week with ten assassinations reported; seven 
persons wounded by grenades; ten wounded and three killed during 
assaults; four current or former members of the military/National Police 
killed, two wounded, and one house in San Salvador machinegunned.

The most brutal assassinations were once again reported in Santa Ana 
where the body of Jose Escalante Calderon, 40, was found on August  21 
with hands and feet tied, shot in the head. The skin had been ripped off his 
arms and there were signs that an attempt had been made to burn the body. 
(72) The previous day the body of Jose Luis Linres Nunez, 42 was also 
found in Santa Ana, shot in the head, hands and feet tied. (73) Two ATMOP 
union leaders, one of them from from Santa Ana, reported receiving death 
threats this week, following the assassinations of two other members 
during the past month. (74)


"The death squads have been protected and hidden."
PDC Deputy Arturo Magana (75)

UNOC leader Arturo Magana announced this week that the labor 
organization has received "concrete" information that the death squads are 
being "protected and hidden" and will be reactivated at the "opportune 
moment," October 31, "when the FMLN disarms." (76)

The clandestine "Movimiento Civico El Salvador Libre" denied charges made 
by the FMLN last week that it is responsible for death squad activities. 
"Our struggle is ideas ... never assassination or terror." (77)

UNOC and the human rights organization CESPAD both called on ONUSAL to 
play a much more vigorous role in the investigation of human rights 
violations. CESPAD noted that while "not one bullet" has been fired by 
either army since the cease-fire, "hundreds of lives have been criminally 
snuffed-out ... ONUSAL has the mandate and sufficient resources to 
investigate human rights abuses." (78) The ONUSAL mission's fifth report 
on human rights will be released August 24.

Bishop Rosa Chavez lamented the "alarming increase in bloodshed," saying 
recent victims included "business leaders, members of the Armed Forces, 
farmworkers, workers, community leaders, teachers, cooperative 
members ... It is imperative to urgently and objectively analyze this 
serious situation." (79)

SOURCES: 1. EL MUNDO, 8/17/92; 2. Radio YSU, 8/17/92; 3. LA PRENSA 
GRAFICA, 8/18/92; 4. Radio YSU, 8/22/92; 5. Guillermo Sol Bang is a 
member of the ARENA Executive Committee; he was kidnapped for ransom 
last year and held for several months before being released; 6. TV 6, 
8/23/92; 7. TV 12, 8/19/92; 8. DIARIO LATINO, 8/17/92; 9. TV 12, 
8/19/92; 10. DIARIO LATINO, 8/18/92; 11. TV 6, 8/17/92; 12. TV 12, 
8/19/92; 13. Radio YSU, 8/18/92; 14. DIARIO LATINO, 8/18/92; 15. TV 12, 
8/18/92; 16. Ibid.; 17. TV 12, 8/20/92; 18. ONUSAL Communique #89, 
8/21/92; 19. DIARIO LATINO, 8/21/92; 20. ONUSAL Communique #89, 
8/21/92; 21. Radio YSU, 8/22/92; 22. Radio Venceremos, 8/22/92; 23. 
Radio YSU, 8/22/92; 24. TV 6, 8/23/92; 25. TV 6, 8/18/92; 26. LA PRENSA 
GRAFICA, 8/17/92; 27. TV 2, 8/18/92; 28. TV 12, 8/20/92; 29. TV 2, 
8/17/92; 30. Radio YSU, 9/19/92; 31. TV 12, 8/19/92; 32. Ibid.; 33. Ibid.; 
34. Radio Venceremos, 8/22/92; 35. Radio YSFF, 8/22/92; 36. TV 12, 
8/21/92; 37. TV 6, 8/18/92; 38. TV 6, 8/19/92; 39. TV 6, 8/18/92; 40. 
Ibid.; 41. INSISTEM, 8/18/92; 42. TV 6, 8/19/92; 43. Radio YSU, 8/21/92; 
44. TCS, 8/20/92; 45. EL MUNDO, 8/20/92; 46. DIARIO LATINO, 8/18/92; 
47. DIARIO LATINO, 8/20/92; 48. Ibid.; 49. DIARIO DE HOY, 8/22/92; 50. TV 
12, 8/19/92; 51. EL MUNDO, 8/20/92; 52. EL MUNDO, 8/21/92; 53. TV 6, 
8/17/92; 54. Ibid.; 55. DIARIO LATINO, 8/18/92; 56. TV 6, 8/19/92; 57. EL 
MUNDO, 8/18/92; 58. Radio Venceremos, 8/22/92; 59. DIARIO LATINO, 
8/17/92; 60. EL MUNDO, 8/18/92; 61. TV 12, 8/19/92; 62. EL MUNDO, 
8/22/92; 63. Radio Venceremos, 8/22/92; 64. TV 12, 8/20/92; 65. TV 12, 
8/20/92; 66. Ibid.; 67. TV 12, 8/19/92; 68. NotiMundo, 8/20/92; 69. TV 
12, 8/19/92; 70. Radio YSU, 8/20/92; 71. LA PRENSA GRAFICA, 8/21/92; 
72. EL MUNDO, 8/21/92; 73. DIARIO LATINO, 8/20/92; 74. Radio 
Venceremos, 8/22/92; 75. TV 12, 8/17/92; 76. Ibid.; 77. EL MUNDO, 
8/19/92; 78. EL MUNDO, 8/18/92; 79. Radio YSAX, 8/23/92.


Copyright 1992, El Rescate Human Rights Department. This report may be 
quoted and partially reprinted on condition that El Rescate be cited as the 
source.


** End of text from cdp:reg.elsalvador **
Xref: sparky misc.activism.progressive:6209 alt.activism:15807 talk.environment:3472