To the peoples and goverments of the world

To the communications media

WE the undersigned: individuals, organizations,institutions, associations, all of us members of civil society, add our names to the conclusions and recommendations made in the report by the International Civil Commission for Human Rights Observation after its visit to Mexico from 16th to 28th February 1998, which have been published and submitted to the European Parliament, to the Irish MEPs, to civil society and the communications media around the world.

We understand that vigilance and the observation of human rights is legitimate and necessary given the continued violations occurring in Mexico and more particularly in the state of Chiapas, and that because of the requests of the people and communities affected, the above Commission must maintain regular visits to carry out observation, receive statements and to draw up regular reports on how the situation is developing. In the time which passed between the Commission's visit and the publication of the report, the situation has worsened and the conclusions arrived at have been further ratified.

We call on civil society to maintain the presence of observers in the communities; on the Mexican government to permit this presence in accordance with international law; and on the European Parliament and the other international institutions to establish mechanisms to watch over and observe human rights.

We denounce the expulsions of international observers as a breach of personal rights, and because they eliminate the presence of witnesses in the most conflictive areas.

We understand that the Mexican government must take steps to end the impunity with which the paramilitary groups operate, in order that aid may reach the people who have been displaced by war and that they may return to their communities of origin with all the necessary guarantees. That the intensive militarization of the region must cease, with the return of the troops to their barracks and free transit of persons guaranteed in the territory. Free recourse to justice must be guaranteed, and we consider it necessary that the political prisoners should be freed as members of civil society in resistance. To ensure that humanitarian aid reaches the communities we recommend the presence of the International Red Cross.

The conclusions and recommendations of this report join with all those actions carried out in different places, settings and institutions throughout the world, in the search for a just and dignified peace in Mexico and for a solution reached through dialogue and negotiation. Respect for the San Andrés agreements, The strengthening of the bodies of intermediation (CONAI) and facilitation (COCOPA), as well as respect for COCOPA's proposals for constitutional reform, are basic elements in re-establishing dialogue.

As civil society , we regard our commitment to the defence of life and to respect for the human rights of individuals and peoples as a rule that is above any political or economic interest, and which makes us responsible for their continued defence.

Signatures

SECRETARIA EUROPEA DE LA COMISION CIVIL INTERNACIONAL