Subject: GUATEMALAN SOCIAL MOV'T - National strike against CAFTA GUATEMALANS RISE UP, SHUT DOWN BORDERS!
June 8, 12noon EST, Guatemala, C.A.- Thousands of workers, farmers and indigenous people have begun 48 hours Of protest against violent land evictions, regressive taxes, and the Central American Free Trade Agreement. Already, protestors have blocked Highways and shut down the main border points with El Salvador, Honduras and Mexico. The blockades were carried out in spite of the threat of the President To use force if protestors prevented the free movement of the people. Organizers are very concerned about the likelihood of violent state repression. An urgent solidarity action has been called by DC groups for Noon on Wednesday in front of the Guatemalan Embassy (22nd & R, NW) "The protestors are concentrated in several places and they or blocked The passage of vehicles going to the capital and several borders", said Luis González, the head of operations of the Policia Nacional Civil (PNC) Of Chiquimula, 175 km to the east of the capital. "These different groups have indicated to us that they will remain there until they receive instructions from leaders in the capital. At the moment they are being pronounced peaceful." he added. "This demonstrates the force of these organizations when we are united To fight for our rights," said the leader of the United Peasant Committee (CUC), Paschal Daniel, one of more than 100 social, labor, farmer and indigenous organizations that have called for these massive demonstrations. The organizers are certain they have the capacity to resist the government for the 48 hours that they have planned to protest. Another group of demonstrators will block the access to the International airport in Aurora, to the south of the capital. Meanwhile, hundreds of sellers from markets and the informal sector, joining the protest, initiated a massive march in the center of the capital, where it is causing massive congestion. The massive protests were called by a wide range of organizations representing women, farmers, workers, indigenous people, students, and others. The mobilization has been sparked, in part, by a spate of violent evictions. Nearly 60% of Guatemalans live in poverty and many have been forced to take over vacant or unused lands as their only tool to ensure survival after wealthy plantation owners refuse to pay salaries. Despite promises to the contrary, since President Berger took office, at least twenty-three violent evictions have forced people off their land. The National Civil Police have set fire to crops, burned houses, Arbitrarily detained some leaders, and shot others. At least 1,500 campesino Families have been left homeless as a result. Protesters are also upset by the signing in DC last month of the Central American Free Trade Agreement, which promises to deepen the Devastation and strengthen the hold of wealthy land owners and global corporations.
