From: Human Rights Coordinator <hrcoord@igc.apc.org>
Newsgroups: soc.rights.human
Date: 27 Sep 92 09:30 PDT
Subject: report from el salvador, 9/14-21/9
Nf-ID: #N:cdp:1476700532:000:21355
Nf-From: cdp.UUCP!hrcoord    Sep 27 09:30:00 1992


From: Human Rights Coordinator <hrcoord>
Subject: report from el salvador, 9/14-21/9

/* Written  4:13 pm  Sep 26, 1992 by elrescate in cdp:reg.elsalvador */
EL RESCATE HUMAN RIGHTS DEPARTMENT

REPORT FROM EL SALVADOR 
September 14-21, 1992

The September 11 World Court ruling awarded the majority of the 
disputed territory along the Honduran border to Honduras further 
complicating the critical issue of land distribution to ex-FMLN 
combatants. Thousands of manzanas of land (1) in the formerly 
conflictive zones which would have been available for distribution 
now belong to Honduras, effectively reducing the amount accessible 
for transfer to ex-combatants and the civilian population.

The FMLN had conditioned the scheduled September 21 
demobilization of 20% of its combatants on advances in the process 
of land transfers. There has been no concrete movement, however, 
following an evaluation of the process by the United Nations 
Secretary-General the FMLN announced that 1600 combatants will 
demobilize in the 15 concentration sites as planned. Although the 
evaluation has not yet been made public recommendations were 
apparently made for a rapid solution to the stalemate on agrarian 
issues, and there is speculation that the United Nations will 
recommend an extension of the October 31 deadline for the final 
demobilization. FMLN Commander Raul Hercules did not divulge 
the contents of the U.N. document but called it "an objective 
evaluation which allows us to have confidence in the process." (2)

President Cristiani will be accompanied by General Mauricio Vargas 
when he travels to New York this week. Following an address to the 
United Nations, he will receive the final report of the Ad-Hoc 
Commission. "The cleansing of the Armed Forces is a necessary part 
of the reconciliation process," said Bishop Rosa Chavez. "There must 
be a wise combination of discretion with adequate information to 
the people. [The report] cannot remain silenced, the country must 
be informed." (3) The Bishop predicted a "very tense environment" 
following the delivery of the report on September 23. (4)

In Washington, Democrats believe they have sufficient votes to 
reprogram all 1993 U.S. military aid to a demobilization fund for 
combatants of both sides. "There is a strong feeling here that we 
cannot send more military aid," declared Senator Patrick Leahy. (5) 
Salvadoran Ambassador Miguel Salaverria warned that a cut in 
military aid added to the Ad-Hoc Commission report could have 
serious consequences in El Salvador: "The unrest which could be 
caused in the [military] ranks will be manifest in the coming week." 
(6)


"The ruling has dangerous human, economic, ecological, political 
and military implications."
Salvador Samayoa (7)

"I congratulate the Honduran lawyers ... but question the ingenuous 
way some people managed Salvadoran interests." 
Supreme Court President, Dr. Gutierrez Castro (8)

ARENA leaders have attempted to deflect criticism by blaming the 
PDC for mishandling the presentation of arguments to the World 
Court; however, the FMLN is the most affected by the ruling and 
believes neither administration made strides to retain the contested 
border areas. "They saw that it would not be a bad idea to get rid of a 
conflictive location," contended Salvador Samayoa, "where the 
FMLN grassroots has dominion." (9) During the war the "bolsones" 
served as a refuge for guerrillas and civilians fleeing army 
operations, and there were constant confrontations between the 
population and Honduran military authorities who considered the 
population to be guerrilla sympathizers. According to Samayoa, for 
weeks Honduran soldiers have been threatening "reprisals and 
revenge" after the ruling. Just two months ago a former FMLN 
combatant and member of the Radio Venceremos team returned 
home to Honduras and was assassinated. The "tortured and 
mutilated" body of Juan Humberto Sanchez Vigil was found on July 
13, and Honduran human rights groups believe he was abducted 
and assassinated by a Special Forces Battalion. (10)

The estimated 30,000 residents (11) in the "bolsones" are concerned 
about their future. Residents of Nahuaterique, north of Perquin 
reported that Honduran troops entered the town on September 14, 
raised the Honduran flag and informed them that they could no 
longer cultivate land or cut down trees because they were on 
Honduran soil. (12) Community leaders told reporters they were 
worried their sons would be forcibly recruited by the Honduran 
army and demanded the government respect their political beliefs 
and community organizations. (13) In the town of El Zancudo, a 
Honduran military patrol attempted to capture two men cutting 
lumber but were surrounded by dozens of residents armed with 
machetes who "convinced" the soldiers to leave. (14) In a gesture of 
defiance the community strung up a banner reading, "We will never 
turn over this land, because we paid for it with our blood." (15) 

Asked about the effect of the World Court ruling on the FMLN, 
President Cristiani responded, "it's their problem that they were 
there." He admitted that El Salvador "lost two to one" to Honduras 
but said the country "will not be richer or poorer" for the loss of the 
"bolsones." (16)

During a two and a half hour press conference, Foreign Minister 
Pacas Castro attempted to explain the court decision to journalists 
but had difficulty in answering basic questions such as the amount 
spent by the government on the litigation process and the current 
size of Salvadoran territory. The Foreign Minister did say, however, 
that according to an agreement with the World Court, Honduras 
cannot legally occupy the territory until three months following 
the decision. (17)

The FMLN has proposed solutions to the complex problem 
including the participation of "all affected interests" on the bi-
national commission established to oversee the transition. Other 
proposals include the demilitarization of the zone, the presence of 
ONUSAL observers, dual nationality and freedom of transit for all 
residents, economic development aid and permission for the 
population to keep existing local governments.


"Nobody can give orders about what Honduras should do."
Honduran Defense Minister General Discua Elvir (18)

The Honduran Defense Minister rejected the FMLN proposal to 
demilitarize the area, insisting, "We are the only ones who can 
exercise sovereignty over our territory." (19) "We're not giving 
orders to anyone," responded Francisco Jovel. "The FMLN is simply 
proposing a civilized way out of this situation, respecting the 
human rights of the inhabitants." (20)

A high-level FMLN delegation met with Honduran President 
Callejas and the Bi-National Commission on September 17 and asked 
for guarantees that the area not be militarized and that residents not 
be discriminated against. The Honduran Foreign Minister later said 
"no definite answer" was given, (21) but President Callejas declared, 
"For humanitarian reasons, we are willing to look for the best 
options ... within the framework of the country's laws and sovereign 
rights." (22) The Honduran president will visit El Salvador 
September 29-30 to discuss trade agreements, but border issues will 
be on the agenda between the two countries for some time to come. 
"If solutions are not found to the innumerable humanitarian, legal, 
political and economic problems," warned Salvador Samayoa, "there 
could be considerable economic and social destabilization in the 
zone." (23)


"Not one single manzana has been transferred, nor do conditions 
exist for said transfer."
Nidia Diaz (24)

"The 'land problem' is not a problem ... It is a political banner of the 
FMLN."
Dr. Armando Calderon Sol (25)

The World Court decision comes at one of the most delicate 
moments of the peace process as the land issue appears to be at a 
standstill. The FMLN has agreed to demobilize the second 
contingent of combatants but is unlikely to dismantle its entire 
military force under current government proposals. "If we agreed," 
explained one commander, "we would simply have tens of 
thousands of people in the position of [living on] subsistence 
parcels." (26)

The government is proposing to differentiate between ex-
combatants and the civilian population in the allocation of lands "to 
create friction and internal problems between the FMLN and its 
social base," charged Nidia Diaz, and in order "to undermine its 
[FMLN] influence in ex-conflictive zones." (27) Government land 
negotiators are also attempting to exclude minors and to grant only 
one parcel per family group. This is significant because a large 
percentage of ex-combatants are under age 21 and many belong to 
the same family. Concretely, the government is offering 4.3 
manzanas of quality land to ex-combatants but only 2.15 manzanas 
to the civilian population. As Diaz explained, the FMLN is proposing 
democratization of land ownership, "new owners and new 
opportunities," including credit, (30-year loans at 6% annual 
interest with four years grace period) training, production and 
marketing assistance. A total of 7762 demobilized combatants 
intend to work the land, but the first 1600 haven't received 
anything and the second 20% face the same situation. (28)

According to Antonio Alvarez of the FMLN Land Commission, 4666 
property owners are willing to sell, but the issue of payments is still 
being debated; the government wants a ceiling of 30,000 colones and 
the FMLN insists 30,000 should be the minimum price. A total of 
157 properties have been verified by the COPAZ Land Commission 
to date, including 42 state and 115 private parcels. The FMLN 
inventory includes 537 "priority" properties, 262 of which already 
have settlements, as well as an additional 1200 parcels whose 
owners are ready to sell. (29)

The European Economic Community and AID are committed to 
funding land purchases but following different criteria. The EEC is 
proposing a "special revolving fund" so that the new landowners 
will benefit, whereas AID insists the payments be made to the Land 
Bank for future land purchases. "The problem is that the gentlemen 
of AID don't understand," stressed Antonio Alvarez, "Conditions 
must be established so that the country does not return to a 
conflict." Alvarez believes the land issue could be resolved, "but the 
government is blocking all transfers with unacceptable conditions." 
(30)

The government argues that the problem is a lack of funds, not a 
lack of good will. However, CD Deputy Hector Silva asserted, "it's a 
matter of priorities," citing recent government payments of 100 
million colones to the Duenas family for the purchase of part of the 
El Espino property, $45 million in credits to coffee growers, the 
cancellation of debts for large landowners in the east and the 
reduction of the sales tax for cigarette and beer monopolies. (31)

President Cristiani maintains his insistence that the government has 
complied with all its obligations to the peace accords. The 
"problems" with land transfers are due to a "lack of resources ... The 
FMLN wants an agrarian reform which was not in the accords," he 
declared, "there is a difference between what they want and what is 
reasonable." (32)

Meanwhile, Bishop Rosa Chavez noted the "abundant problems" 
surrounding the land issue but said "non-organized" campesinos 
must not be expelled from the land in favor of ex-combatants: "It 
would be a tremendous injustice ... If we want to consolidate peace 
we must facilitate the minimum conditions for a dignified life for 
all." (33)


"Another extension would not be acceptable."
Minister of Defense General Rene Emilio Ponce (34)

"We don't have any interest in postponing our demobilization ... We 
have thousands of potential political activists confined in 
encampments."
Salvador Samayoa (35)

The FMLN agreed to demobilize 20% on September 21, but the 
October 31 deadline is still uncertain. In Brazil, Joaquin Villalobos 
suggested an extension would be necessary "to give the government 
time to solve some of the problems and comply with its obligations." 
(36) CD Deputy Hector Silva stated that the October 31 date would 
be "practically unachievable," (37) while Bernard Aronson insisted 
the date is firm, saying the FMLN made a "solemn commitment ... to 
demobilize and turn in all its weapons." During a September 17 
interview on "World Net," the Assistant Secretary of State for Latin 
America said the land issue "cannot be a pretext" for not 
demobilizing and must not be "manipulated or politicized." He 
demanded the October 31 deadline be met and said the 
international community "will vigorously condemn any group that 
attempts to use the land issue as an excuse not to demobilize." (38)

Though the U.N. evaluation has not been publicly released, Dr. Oscar 
Santamaria said it "ratified" the October 31 deadline and while 
questioning both sides, it singled out the FMLN in particular as the 
"non-complier" because of continued "doubts" about the arms 
inventory. A "greater effort" was deemed necessary on the agrarian 
problem, according to Santamaria, who said a special delegation 
representing the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and 
FAO would be invited to visit the country. (39) Radio Venceremos 
reported that the agrarian issue was determined to be the "most 
delicate point" and the international delegation would arrive 
"within 48 hours." (40)

Coincidentally, the government once again discovered an FMLN 
arms cache at a critical moment in the peace process, and Press 
Secretary Ernesto Altschul was on hand to meet with journalists. 
(41) The FMLN first denied responsibility for the weapons, found 
buried in the back yard of a house in the capital, but two days later 
admitted they belonged to urban commandos and had not yet been 
inventoried. ARENA deputies denounced the "preparation for war," 
and Deputy Horacio Rios blamed "Marxist-Maoist hard-liners." (42)

Meanwhile, the Belloso Battalion was formally dissolved on 
September 16 in a ceremony attended by the President, ONUSAL 
and the High Command. President Cristiani recognized the 
battalion's "heroic actions in defense of the people and against 
terrorist aggression," (43) while interim Battalion Commander 
Colonel Rafael Alfonso Montalvo Guzman said his troops fought, 
"because we love this territory we call El Salvador." Montalvo 
reported that the Battalion participated in 107 operations during 
its ten- year history; 258 members were killed, 1061 wounded. (44) 
On September 22 the Second Brigade will demobilize the 580-man 
"Pipil" Battalion, (45) and this week the Atlacatl Battalion will begin 
the process of dismantling its forces to conclude October 17.


"It is imperative for the well-being of the country that we banish 
negative attitudes."
President Cristiani 
at Independence Day Ceremonies (46)

"Why did they call out the anti-riot police? What riot were they 
going to suffocate?"
DIARIO LATINO Columnist (47)

There has been no public explanation of the reasons for the 
confusion surrounding the government Independence Day 
celebration on September 15 or for the deployment of anti-riot 
squads all along the route of the opposition march. The first 
Independence Day in peace-time was, in fact, a manifestation of the 
conflicts which still persist.

A 33-unit military parade to downtown was announced and 
promptly denounced by the opposition as entirely inappropriate. In 
the end the army procession did not take place. Hundreds of 
soldiers from the Atlacatl and Belloso Battalions and other units, 
armed with M-16's, stood in the sun for hours before finally 
marching into the Flor Blanca Stadium two blocks away following 
thousands of school children.

Traditionally the government parade travels down Boulevard Juan 
Pablo to the Plaza Libertad, and the opposition marches from El 
Salvador del Mundo to the Plaza Civica. This year the day began with 
government and military leaders in the Plaza Libertad for a brief 
ceremony where President Cristiani made a call for unity. Officials 
then moved to the Flor Blanca Stadium to witness the parade of 
students and soldiers.

In the meantime, a huge demonstration representing opposition 
parties, popular organizations and the FMLN began to march down 
Escalon and was met by anti-riot squads. With ONUSAL observers 
mediating, the march detoured and continued downtown but 
again anti-riot squads appeared and marchers were forced to 
change the route. Finally, just before the demonstration reached the 
Plaza, the battle-equipped police blocked marchers once again and 
clashes were avoided only with the intervention of ONUSAL. March 
leaders denounced the "arrogant and militaristic attitude," of the 
government (48) and attempts to provoke demonstrators. National 
Police agents in civilian clothes infiltrated the march "to create 
problems and blame our people," according to one FMLN leader, 
but they were discovered and turned over to ONUSAL. (49) Army 
helicopters trailed the march and jets flew over the city, but in the 
end the Plaza Civica was overflowing with people while Flor Blanca 
Stadium was merely half-filled. There has been no explanation as to 
who ordered the deployment of anti-riot police, now under the 
command of the President, or why.

Two days later the riot squads were out in force again to intercept a 
demonstration of National University students, professors and 
employees demanding a budget increase. A FENASTRAS member 
was arrested by the police and two undercover agents were 
captured by students, who asked ONUSAL observers to arrange an 
exchange of prisoners. The ONUSAL police instead escorted the 
agents to a UN vehicle and drove off rapidly as angry students 
kicked and pelted the car.

There were a number of other violations and incidents of violence 
against popular organizations this week. Anti-riot police were called 
out to prevent striking workers at the Hotel El Salvador from 
entering the premises. The SICAFE office was burglarized on 
September 16 and according to members, the night watchman 
disappeared and blood was found in his bedroom. (50) The next day 
the FEASIES office was machine-gunned, and a leader of the 
FESINCONSTRANS union was shot and critically wounded. In 
Sonsonate, the indigenous association (ANIS) leader, Adrian 
Esquino Lisco, received death threats and was warned to leave the 
city within 72 hours, just before a scheduled demonstration against 
government economic measures.

There was also an attack against a police vehicle and unidentified 
persons fired on the Military School at 5:30 a.m. on September 14. 
Six vehicles were damaged by a grenade explosion in a housing 
complex where an army officer resides, and General Ponce reported 
that 21 members of the military, civil defense or their families have 
been killed by "terrorist groups" since February 16. (51) On 
September 17 the bodyguards of Presidential Designate Roberto 
Llach Hill were attacked by several men using heavy military 
weapons including a grenade launcher. The motive was allegedly 
robbery, but there is speculation the message could have been 
political and aimed at Llach's son-in-law, President Cristiani.

There have also been a number of unconfirmed reports of attacks 
against ONUSAL vehicles parked in the streets of Escalon and, 
according to a student at one private high school, t-shirts are on sale 
at the school which say "ONUSAL" with a large "X" through the 
name.

Ombudsman for Human Rights Dr. Carlos Molina Fonseca expressed 
concern about the violence and reported that his office has received 
350 denunciations of violations of human rights in just fifty days. 
"The moment has come," he declared, "for the 'Procuraderia' to take 
a more active role." (52)

SOURCES: 1. A manzana is equal to 2.7 acres; 2. TV 12, 9/20/92; 3. 
Ibid.; 4. Radio YSU, 9/21/92; 5. TV 6, 9/18/92; 6. TCS, 9/18/92; 7. TV 
12, 9/14/92; 8. LA PRENSA GRAFICA, 9/18/92; 9. TV 12, 9/14/92; 
10. Radio YSU, 9/15/92; 11. Radio Venceremos, 9/15/92; 12. Radio 
YSU, 9/15/92; 13. Radio Venceremos, 9/15/92; 14. DIARIO LATINO, 
9/16/92; 15. TV 6, 9/16/92; 16. TV 12, 9/14/92; 17. TV 12, 9/16/92; 
18. Radio YSU, 9/15/92; 19. Ibid.; 20. EL MUNDO, 9/17/92; 21. TV 6, 
9/17/92; 22. DIARIO DE HOY/AP, 9/18/92; 23. TV 12, 9/14/92; 24. 
DIARIO LATINO, 9/17/92; 25. TV 6, 9/15/92; 26. TV 12, 9/14/92; 27. 
DIARIO LATINO, 9/17/92; 28. Ibid.; 29. Ibid.; 30. Ibid.; 31. TCS, 
9/16/92; 32. Radio YSU, 9/14/92; 33. Radio YSAX, 9/20/92; 34. 
NotiMundo, 9/16/92; 35. TV 12, 9/14/92; 36. DIARIO DE HOY, 
9/17/92; 37. TCS, 9/16/92; 38. TV 6, 9/17/92; 39. Radio YSU, 
9/19/92; 40. Radio Venceremos, 9/19/92; 41. Another FMLN arms 
cache discovered on July 31, the day scheduled for the 
demobilization of the second contingent; 42. NotiMundo, 9/17/92; 
43. Radio YSU, 9/16/92; 44. TV 6, 9/16/92; 45. TCS, 9/16/92; 46. 
DIARIO DE HOY, 9/16/92; 47. DIARIO LATINO, 9/16/92; 48. TV 12, 
9/15/92; 49. Radio Sonora, 9/15/92; 50. TV 12, 9/16/92; 51. LA 
PRENSA GRAFICA, 9/16/92; 52. TV 12, 9/20/92. 

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.