Compañeras and compañeros from México and around the world: 

      A few minutes ago, we confirmed the most recent news with respect to the
      situation in Chiapas and, disgracefully, it is bad news:

      The federal army has occupied the town of La Realidad, in Chiapas, by way
      of an operation supported by airplanes and helicopters. At this time, we do not
      have any more information regarding the current situation there.

      The other news is that 40 indigenous compañeros who were carrying
      humanitarian aid from Oventic to Polhó were detained by a priísta paramilitary
      group, who have said they will keep the compañeros as hostages until those
      detained for participation in the Acteal massacre are released.

      These events appear as the first measures adopted by the government since
      the changes in the presidential cabinet, of which the most important is the
      change in Government Secretary (Interior Minister), following the resignation
      of Emilio Chuayfett and his replacement by Francisco Labastida Ochoa. The
      first declarations of Labastida Ochoa about Chiapas were that the solution
      would be found by concluding the accords and disarming all groups; however,
      it seems that the order chosen by the government is the contrary.

      Compañeros:

      The urgency of the tasks of solidarity now cannot be overemphasized.

      We must stop the war!! Punishment to those responsible for the massacre of
      Acteal! Immediate compliance with the Accords of San Andrés Sacamch'en de
      los Pobres! Demilitarization of the indigenous communities! Disarmament and
      dismantling of all the paramilitary groups!

      We will keep you informed.

      Javier Elorriaga
      For the Provisional International Commission of the FZLN