Contents

1. Introduction
   
2. Visas and Travel by Foreigners in Mexico
   
3. Background
   
4. Eyewitness Reports
   
5. Afterword
   

Afterword

Since the Tri-National Friendship Delegation in July, the state of Chiapas suffered two disasters, one natural and one at least partly man-made.

In early September, extensive flooding in the Pacific coast region was described as "the worst natural disaster in fifty years." News reports told a graphic story: 400,000 people cut off from the rest of the country, whole villages washed away by 2� feet of rain in one week, over 10,000 homes destroyed, a death toll that could reach 1,000. Along with these reports come charges of official corruption, particularly by state PRI leaders. Among the most serious charge was official dispersal of aid along party lines, with PRI candidates in the October 4 elections acting as distribution points. State Governor Albores Guillén was accused of "perpetrating a scandalous robbery of humanitarian aid destined for those suffering from the flooding reminiscent of the Nicaraguan dictator Anastasio Somoza, who enriched himself with donations sent to victims of the earthquake in Managua."

The other disaster was just as serious, but you won't read about it in the news: widespread famine has affected hundreds of indigenous communities in the highlands and the jungle. Spring drought caused the problem, but state-wide fires, many set by the military and paramilitaries, complicated an already serious situation. Famine appears to be the latest in the government's low intensity warfare arsenal. Even an abundant winter harvest, something which even the most optimistic observer could not expect, would only begin to resolve the famine. Of course, children and senior citizens suffer the worst, and health problems associated with malnutrition began to be apparent in August.

The Mexico Solidarity Network is working with dozens of organizations to address this almost unbelievable human suffering. Funds are channeled through the Diocese of San Cristobal and Enlace Civil, two trusted organizations with well-earned reputations for hard work and honesty. Please make your tax-deductible donation payable to Mexico Solidarity Network/NNEF, 1247 E St., SE, Washington, DC 20003. Direct questions or commitments to (773) 583-7728 or by email to [email protected].