MEXICO: ZAPATISTA REBEL LEADER SPEAKS OF HARSH CONDITIONS скачать в хорошем качестве

MEXICO: ZAPATISTA REBEL LEADER SPEAKS OF HARSH CONDITIONS

(20 Feb 1995) Spanish/Nat The Mexican army crackdown on the Zapatista movement appears to be taking a heavy toll on the rebel forces. In a videotape obtained by APTV, one of the Zapatista leaders, known as Comandante Ramona, spoke of the hunger and harsh conditions her comrades are suffering in their jungle hideouts. She begged the peasants supporting the Zapatistas to return to their villages and the government army to withdraw from former guerrilla territory. This video shows a weak and listless Comandante Ramona talking about the Zapatista ordeal. SOUNDBITE Spanish: "We are hungry. We only have tortillas and salt. We eat beans only when there is any and we can barely get any milk or meat". SUPER CAPTION: Comandante Ramona Ramona, a member of the Zapatista top command, became well known in Mexico last year when she took part in the peace talks with the government. Other female Zapatista rebels, like these filmed a few days before the army started its offensive, have held relevant positions in the Zapatista leadership. According to sources close to the rebels, Ramona has been sick lately. In fact, in the recording, Ramona says she might die soon. With a very feeble voice, Ramona invites the government to resume the peace talks. SOUNDBITE Spanish: "At the beginning, we wanted democracy, justice and dignity. Now we also ask for peace. We are waiting for you to start a dialogue". SUPER CAPTION: Comandante Ramona The almost humble request signals that the army crackdown might be eroding the Zapatista endurance. According to reports from the field, the rebels are having a great deal of trouble communicating with one another. In a letter published today in the Mexican press, two other Zapatista rebels admitted that because of the army offensive - it is impossible for the guerrillas to coordinate a peace effort. Ramona also asked for the government troops to move out of the southern province. SOUNDBITE Spanish: "We want the army to go back to its barracks. We urge women, children and men who fled to the mountains to go back to their communities to continue working for a better future." SUPER CAPTION: Comandante Ramona Yesterday a group of reporters visited a refugee camp deep in the Lacandon Jungle where some 5,000 Indian peasants live in dismal conditions. Many men, women and children were in tears and visibly weakened by hunger. If they are lucky, they are given one corn tortilla per day. Children are suffering from what appears to be cholera and diarrhoea. The Zapatistas demand the soldiers withdraw from former rebel territory and arrest warrants for their leaders cancelled before they resume peace talks. President Ernesto Zedillo said that while his troops would not start trouble, he will not ask them to leave the region. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...