MEXICO: CHIAPAS: LANDOWNER'S MARCH

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(19 Feb 1995) Natural Sound


Violence flared today (Sunday) during a march by rich landowners in the Mexican state of Chiapas.

The landowners took to the streets to protest against the Zapatista rebels. They retain control of parts of Chiapas despite recent setbacks.

Rich landowners gathered complete with banners to march in support of the army and to demand the resignation of Bishop Samuel Ruiz.

Ruiz has been an outspoken advocate of the impoverished Indian population of Chiapas and a key mediator between the government and the Zapatista rebels.

The ranchers claim Ruiz is actively supporting the guerrilla movement.

They have accused him of storing weapons for the rebels in the San Cristobal de las Casas Cathedral.

The cathedral is where Ruiz has his residence and was the backdrop for today's violence.

Hours before the march started, hundreds of Ruiz supporters surrounded the cathedral in a human chain to protect the bishop from the ranchers.

When the landowners demonstration reached the town's plaza they tried to enter the cathedral.

Insults were exchange between the landowners and Ruiz supporters which gave way to pushing and shoving - and finally to an all out brawl.

When a group of women blocked the entrance to the cathedral, the protesters bombarded them with a barrage of eggs.

The ranchers call Ruiz the Red Bishop.

He's received numerous death threats since the Zapatista uprising took place on the first of January 1994.

The threats have intensified in recent weeks and, according to witness, Ruiz was seen leaving the cathedral in a hurry early this morning accompanied by two bodyguards.

Even though the fight took place in the middle of the town, the police didn't arrive for an hour and a half. They eventually established a tense order.

Ruiz is also the director of the commission mediating in the Chiapas conflict.

He has urged the government to order the withdrawal of troops from former Zapatista territory so that peace talks can resume.

But the ranchers and landowners demand immediate military action to eliminate the Zapatista movement once and for all.

The rebels want land, education opportunities and better living conditions for the Indians of this, Mexico's poorest state.

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