CPT Chiapas Delegation July 13-

Delegation members were welcomed July 20 by the residents of X'oyep. X'oyep's population surged from about 100 to nearly 1,200 members of the pacifist Las Abejas organization because of displacements following the massacre in nearby Acteal on December 22, 1997. CPT Chiapas Team member Lynn Stoltzfus received a special greeting from one of his friends. From left: Ron Friesen (hat in hand), Grace Braley, Stoltzfus, Shirley Way, Duane Ediger, Allan Slater and Fred Bahnson.

Unhealthy living conditions in displacement camps of Zapatista supporters and pacifist "Bees" are still preferred over the dangers of returning to communities. The Mexican government's continuing non-compliance with the San Andres accords and its de facto support of PRI-aligned paramilitaries effectively keeps the political dissent economically and socially isolated in the displacement camps. Health conditions are deteriorating. Lack of potable water and firewood has become a serious problem.

"We have been displaced for more than two years. We are victims of crimes in our communities because the PRI began to persecute us in our communities. That is why we are obligated to flee and come live here, waiting for a justice which has not yet come. For two and a half years we have been waiting and each day it is a little more painful. Thank you for coming, from where we are not sure, but thank you for coming. Our houses are not very nice but.... The government is not interested in solving our problems. On behalf of all of us we thank you for coming to be with us."

-woman resident of X'oyep displaced from Los Chorros since December 1997

Checkpoint in Chenalho. Over 600 military bases, checkpoints and other installations make Chiapas a textbook example of low intensity warfare.

Chiapas CPT delegation and Team members hold prayer service on the edge of the Majomut Army Base near Acteal.