Colombian anti-privatisation campaign smeared
Daniel Brett | 27.01.2002 09:37
I. COMMUNIQUÉ FROM SINTRAEMCALI AND HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN
II. El Pais article "Terrorist Plan Discovered"
III. El Tiempo article
"Cali on Alert for Strikes by the FARC and trade unionists"
IV. Recommended Action
I. "SINTRAEMCALI" THE TRADE UNION OF EMCALI WORKERS, THE ASSOCIATION FOR SOCIAL INVESTIGATION AND ACTION "NOMADESC", and the CONVENING ORGANISATIONS OF THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN AGAINST PRIVATISATION, CORRUPTION AND THE CRIMINALISATION OF SOCIAL PROTEST
WE DENOUNCE TO THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY THE MEDIA SMEARS AGAINST THE PERMANENT ASSEMBLY OF EMCALI WORKERS AND THE GENERAL COMMUNITY THAT SUPPORTS THE PEACEFUL PROTEST IN THE CAM BUILDING
Today, Saturday the 26th January 2002 reports appeared in the regional daily newspaper EL PAIS aimed at misleading public opinion concerning the situation at EMCALI corporation.
This daily announced on page B4 that: "A terrorist plan to destabilise the city through road blocks, the occupation of churches, public buildings and other buildings as part of a civic strike endorsed by the EMCALI workers union was discovered yesterday by the authorities".
In the same edition, the commander of the Third Division of the Army, General Francisco Rene Perlaza, alleged that " ... some trade union organisations and armed groups at the margin of the law are behind the calling of the civic strike..."
Both allegations are false. The local, national and international community has followed step by step what has happened in the occupation as a form of peaceful protest action. The people of Cali, the workers of EMCALI and the leaders of SINTRAEMCALI are acting in the defence of the common wealth of the people of the Cauca Valley. What those in power do not admit is that the community has expressed, through peaceful rallies and marches, as well as in cultural events, its will which is against the privatisation of public services in general.
The attempt to link the trade union movement with insurgent groups is part of the dirty war organised by the Colombian state that tries to set up social leaders as military targets. SINTRAEMCALI trade union, with the support of the communities, as well as trade union and social organisations, is peacefully defending public services for the good of all.
We ask the national and international community to send protests by fax and electronic mail to the Colombian government authorities, to put an end to this dirty war by the state against the social movement.
These events have put at great risk the human rights of the trade unionists inside the permanent assembly [occupation] of the EMCALI building, the CAM tower, and the community at large.
NO TO PRIVATISATION!
NO TO PRICE INCREASES!
YES TO A HIGH LEVEL ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMISSION!
National and International Human Rights Campaign against Privatisation, Corruption, and the Criminalisation of Social Justice.
II. Terrorist Plan Uncovered
--------------------------------
"El Pais" 26th January 2002
On Monday there will be no classes in the educational institutions. Plants providing services will be militarised.
A terrorist plan to destabilise the city through road blocks, the occupation of churches, public buildings and other buildings as part of a civic strike endorsed by the EMCALI workers union was discovered yesterday by the authorities.
The Commander of the Third Division of the Army, General Francisco Rene Perlaza said that some trade union organisations and armed groups at the margin of the law are behind the calling of the civic strike.
According to the official on Monday it is planned that Saint Peters cathedral, the Archbishop's palace, the Regional Labour offices, the Chamber of Commerce would be occupied, as well vehicles set alight and blocking roads that give access to the city.
In the face of such events the City Security Council ordered a series of measures to preserve calm for the citizenry and guarantee control of public order.
As a consequence there will not be any classes in any public or private educational institutions in the city next Monday.
The announcement was made by the mayor of Cali, Jhon Maro Rodríguez, who called on the citizens not to participate in anty actions connected with the day of protest.
The measures of control will start to be enforced from 6pm on Sunday until 6pm on Tuesday, including restrictions on the movement of motorcyclists, suspension of safe conduct for carrying arms, and invoking the 'dry law' [which bans alcohol sales, closing all bars] amongst others.
The Mayor said that in any case there is no reason for the civic strike, given that on Monday there will be a meeting in Bogota with the central Government, which must resolve the occupation of the EMCALI tower and decide once and for all the solution to the problems faced by the public services corporation.
He announced out that that this type of protest action is dangerous for the city when the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) have announced an armed stoppage in the south west of the country starting on Monday.
For that reason, the Security Council decided on the militarisation of [sending troops into] all public buildings, and the plants and work stations of supplying domestic public services, as well strategic points in the city to prevent acts of terrorism or sabotage.
According to the announcement these operations will be carried out by the Military Police and two battalions that arrived yesterday at the Third Brigade, in order to guarantee calm and public order in the region.
Mayor Jhon Maro Rodríguez annunced that the Security Forces will be available to intervene in cases of disorder or wherever there is an attempt to prevent the free movement of citizens and the provision of public transport.
At the same time he reiterated his call to the people of Cali to abstain from participating in any action on Monday called by the City Strike Committee.
The Mayor of Cali announced should any irregular event occur, or any change to public order, the organisers of the protest will be arrested and put at the disposition of the competent authorities.
He also announced that the EMCALI workers that participated in the road blockades last Thursday using the corporation's vehicles, are now under criminal and disciplinary investigation.
Principal Measures
A set of measures have been taken to guarantee normality in the city next Monday, as ordered by the City Security Council.
1. On the recommendation of the security forces the authorities ordered the suspension of academic activities in schools, colleges and universities in the department.
2. Dry law, no sale of alcohol, from 6pm on Dunday until 6am on Tuesday with Cali city limits.
3. The Army's Third Brigade have enacted an order by which safe conduct to carry arms has been suspended in all the municipalities under its jurisdiction.
4. Restriction on the movement of motorcycles from 6pm on Sunday until 6am Tuesday.
5. Immobilisation of vehicles that are left on main roads or in front of public buildings.
6. Prohibition of meetings, gatherings and marches.
7. Taxis and public passenger vehicles must drive with their inside lights on.
8. Normal attention to the public at all public buildings.
9. The corporation of urban transport must operate on the routes and to the timetable set by the Secretary of Transport.
Recommendations
1. Do not participate in marches, assemblies, gatherings or acts of protest.
2. Do not send children to school.
3. Try and wear sports shoes in case you have to walk long distances because transport services have been suspended.
4. Try and leave for work earlier than usual.
5. Do not leave your vehicle parked on the public highway, it will be immobilised by the authorities.
6. Report as soon as possible to the authorities any strange action of which you have knowledge.
7. Be attentive to recommendations and instructions given out by the authorities.
8. Communicate to the authorities the presence of strange people or people acting suspiciously which you observe close to your home or place of work.
Control Operations
From tomorrow, troops from the Army's Third Brigade will put in motion a security plan for the city to prevent possible terrorist attempts against the urban infrastructure and public services.
In accord with the decision of the Security Council all plants, headquarters and station providing public services will be taken over by the army [militarised].
Equally, the Metropolitan Police have put a plan to guard and protect public buildings, and road and pedestrian bridges.
Also they are ready to guard the places of despatch and routes of public transport.
The Army as well as the Police will set up road blocks and control points on the access roads into the city and they will implement control and registration at strategic points of the city.
In the rural zone, especially in the districts that are partly in the mountains, there will be permanent army patrols.
III. "Cali on Alert for Strikes by the FARC and trade unionists"
--------------------------------------------------------------------
El Tiempo 26th January 2002
Exceptional measures to preserve public order were taken at an extraordinary security council meeting held yesterday. From Sunday the 'dry law' will be in force, and transport will be guaranteed on Monday.
There will be no classes in any college, school or university in Cali on Monday.
To this measure is added the dry law, restrictions on arms and on motorcycles.
The measures were announced by Mayor Jhon Maro Rodríguez because of the armed strike called for next Monday by the FARC in the whole of the south west.
To this is added the decision to call a civic strike endorsing the protest of the EMCALI workers, also for next Monday.
Secretary for Education Henry Arcila said that "the measure adopted by the Government of Cali is taken to guarantee security to students in the face of a city strike announced by the unions", as he announced the suspension of classes in all official and private establishments in Cali.
The mayor announced, at the end of the extra-ordinary security council, that from 6 in the evening this Sunday until 6 in the morning of next Tuesday the sale and consumption of liquor is banned in all the city. Neither will the movement of motorcycles be permitted in this same
period.
It was decided as well that every badly parked vehicle in whatever public highway or in front of official buildings, residential units or the banking zone will be immobilised.
"I call on those promoting the civic strike to desist from it and on the community not to participate, in the face of the danger that may occur. I call on calenos to work normally", begged the mayor.
The local leader said that he did not understand the attitude assumed by the EMCALI workers' union, because on Monday the destiny of the corporation will be decided as will be that of the occupation of the CAM tower which for the last 31 days has been in the power of the workers.
The local government guaranteed the provision of public transport services throughout the city. The Police and Army are positioned in strategic locations in the city to deal with any eventuality that may arise.
IV. RECOMMENDED ACTION
Send urgent protests to:
ANDRÉS PASTRANA ARANGO
Presidente de la República,
Presidencia de la República
Carrera 8 No. 7-26 Palacio de Nariño,
Santa Fe de Bogotá
Teléfono. +57.1.5629300 ext. 3550 (571) 284 33 00
Fax +(57)1 - 286 74 34 - 286, 68 42 -284 21 86
Mailto:
rdh@presidencia.gov.co
LUIS CAMILO OSORIO
Fiscal General de la Nación.
(Attorney General)
Diagonal 22 B No. 52 - 01 Bogotá.
Telefax: 57.1.5702022.
Mr VICTOR RICARDO,
Ambassador to the UK,
Embassy of the Republic of Colombia
Flat 3A, 3 Hans Crescent, London SW1X 0LN, UK
Tel: (020) 7589 9177. Fax: (020) 7581 1829.
E-mail: mail@colombianembassy.co.uk
( or in your country)
With copies to:
The National and International Human Rights Campaign Against Corruption,
Privatisation and the Criminalisation of Social Protest. E-mail
dhintegralsuroc@yahoo.com
And Colombia Solidarity Campaign E-mail: colombia_sc@hotmail.com
PO Box 8466, London N17 6NZ Tel: 07950 923 448
II. El Pais article "Terrorist Plan Discovered"
III. El Tiempo article
"Cali on Alert for Strikes by the FARC and trade unionists"
IV. Recommended Action
I. "SINTRAEMCALI" THE TRADE UNION OF EMCALI WORKERS, THE ASSOCIATION FOR SOCIAL INVESTIGATION AND ACTION "NOMADESC", and the CONVENING ORGANISATIONS OF THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN AGAINST PRIVATISATION, CORRUPTION AND THE CRIMINALISATION OF SOCIAL PROTEST
WE DENOUNCE TO THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY THE MEDIA SMEARS AGAINST THE PERMANENT ASSEMBLY OF EMCALI WORKERS AND THE GENERAL COMMUNITY THAT SUPPORTS THE PEACEFUL PROTEST IN THE CAM BUILDING
Today, Saturday the 26th January 2002 reports appeared in the regional daily newspaper EL PAIS aimed at misleading public opinion concerning the situation at EMCALI corporation.
This daily announced on page B4 that: "A terrorist plan to destabilise the city through road blocks, the occupation of churches, public buildings and other buildings as part of a civic strike endorsed by the EMCALI workers union was discovered yesterday by the authorities".
In the same edition, the commander of the Third Division of the Army, General Francisco Rene Perlaza, alleged that " ... some trade union organisations and armed groups at the margin of the law are behind the calling of the civic strike..."
Both allegations are false. The local, national and international community has followed step by step what has happened in the occupation as a form of peaceful protest action. The people of Cali, the workers of EMCALI and the leaders of SINTRAEMCALI are acting in the defence of the common wealth of the people of the Cauca Valley. What those in power do not admit is that the community has expressed, through peaceful rallies and marches, as well as in cultural events, its will which is against the privatisation of public services in general.
The attempt to link the trade union movement with insurgent groups is part of the dirty war organised by the Colombian state that tries to set up social leaders as military targets. SINTRAEMCALI trade union, with the support of the communities, as well as trade union and social organisations, is peacefully defending public services for the good of all.
We ask the national and international community to send protests by fax and electronic mail to the Colombian government authorities, to put an end to this dirty war by the state against the social movement.
These events have put at great risk the human rights of the trade unionists inside the permanent assembly [occupation] of the EMCALI building, the CAM tower, and the community at large.
NO TO PRIVATISATION!
NO TO PRICE INCREASES!
YES TO A HIGH LEVEL ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMISSION!
National and International Human Rights Campaign against Privatisation, Corruption, and the Criminalisation of Social Justice.
II. Terrorist Plan Uncovered
--------------------------------
"El Pais" 26th January 2002
On Monday there will be no classes in the educational institutions. Plants providing services will be militarised.
A terrorist plan to destabilise the city through road blocks, the occupation of churches, public buildings and other buildings as part of a civic strike endorsed by the EMCALI workers union was discovered yesterday by the authorities.
The Commander of the Third Division of the Army, General Francisco Rene Perlaza said that some trade union organisations and armed groups at the margin of the law are behind the calling of the civic strike.
According to the official on Monday it is planned that Saint Peters cathedral, the Archbishop's palace, the Regional Labour offices, the Chamber of Commerce would be occupied, as well vehicles set alight and blocking roads that give access to the city.
In the face of such events the City Security Council ordered a series of measures to preserve calm for the citizenry and guarantee control of public order.
As a consequence there will not be any classes in any public or private educational institutions in the city next Monday.
The announcement was made by the mayor of Cali, Jhon Maro Rodríguez, who called on the citizens not to participate in anty actions connected with the day of protest.
The measures of control will start to be enforced from 6pm on Sunday until 6pm on Tuesday, including restrictions on the movement of motorcyclists, suspension of safe conduct for carrying arms, and invoking the 'dry law' [which bans alcohol sales, closing all bars] amongst others.
The Mayor said that in any case there is no reason for the civic strike, given that on Monday there will be a meeting in Bogota with the central Government, which must resolve the occupation of the EMCALI tower and decide once and for all the solution to the problems faced by the public services corporation.
He announced out that that this type of protest action is dangerous for the city when the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) have announced an armed stoppage in the south west of the country starting on Monday.
For that reason, the Security Council decided on the militarisation of [sending troops into] all public buildings, and the plants and work stations of supplying domestic public services, as well strategic points in the city to prevent acts of terrorism or sabotage.
According to the announcement these operations will be carried out by the Military Police and two battalions that arrived yesterday at the Third Brigade, in order to guarantee calm and public order in the region.
Mayor Jhon Maro Rodríguez annunced that the Security Forces will be available to intervene in cases of disorder or wherever there is an attempt to prevent the free movement of citizens and the provision of public transport.
At the same time he reiterated his call to the people of Cali to abstain from participating in any action on Monday called by the City Strike Committee.
The Mayor of Cali announced should any irregular event occur, or any change to public order, the organisers of the protest will be arrested and put at the disposition of the competent authorities.
He also announced that the EMCALI workers that participated in the road blockades last Thursday using the corporation's vehicles, are now under criminal and disciplinary investigation.
Principal Measures
A set of measures have been taken to guarantee normality in the city next Monday, as ordered by the City Security Council.
1. On the recommendation of the security forces the authorities ordered the suspension of academic activities in schools, colleges and universities in the department.
2. Dry law, no sale of alcohol, from 6pm on Dunday until 6am on Tuesday with Cali city limits.
3. The Army's Third Brigade have enacted an order by which safe conduct to carry arms has been suspended in all the municipalities under its jurisdiction.
4. Restriction on the movement of motorcycles from 6pm on Sunday until 6am Tuesday.
5. Immobilisation of vehicles that are left on main roads or in front of public buildings.
6. Prohibition of meetings, gatherings and marches.
7. Taxis and public passenger vehicles must drive with their inside lights on.
8. Normal attention to the public at all public buildings.
9. The corporation of urban transport must operate on the routes and to the timetable set by the Secretary of Transport.
Recommendations
1. Do not participate in marches, assemblies, gatherings or acts of protest.
2. Do not send children to school.
3. Try and wear sports shoes in case you have to walk long distances because transport services have been suspended.
4. Try and leave for work earlier than usual.
5. Do not leave your vehicle parked on the public highway, it will be immobilised by the authorities.
6. Report as soon as possible to the authorities any strange action of which you have knowledge.
7. Be attentive to recommendations and instructions given out by the authorities.
8. Communicate to the authorities the presence of strange people or people acting suspiciously which you observe close to your home or place of work.
Control Operations
From tomorrow, troops from the Army's Third Brigade will put in motion a security plan for the city to prevent possible terrorist attempts against the urban infrastructure and public services.
In accord with the decision of the Security Council all plants, headquarters and station providing public services will be taken over by the army [militarised].
Equally, the Metropolitan Police have put a plan to guard and protect public buildings, and road and pedestrian bridges.
Also they are ready to guard the places of despatch and routes of public transport.
The Army as well as the Police will set up road blocks and control points on the access roads into the city and they will implement control and registration at strategic points of the city.
In the rural zone, especially in the districts that are partly in the mountains, there will be permanent army patrols.
III. "Cali on Alert for Strikes by the FARC and trade unionists"
--------------------------------------------------------------------
El Tiempo 26th January 2002
Exceptional measures to preserve public order were taken at an extraordinary security council meeting held yesterday. From Sunday the 'dry law' will be in force, and transport will be guaranteed on Monday.
There will be no classes in any college, school or university in Cali on Monday.
To this measure is added the dry law, restrictions on arms and on motorcycles.
The measures were announced by Mayor Jhon Maro Rodríguez because of the armed strike called for next Monday by the FARC in the whole of the south west.
To this is added the decision to call a civic strike endorsing the protest of the EMCALI workers, also for next Monday.
Secretary for Education Henry Arcila said that "the measure adopted by the Government of Cali is taken to guarantee security to students in the face of a city strike announced by the unions", as he announced the suspension of classes in all official and private establishments in Cali.
The mayor announced, at the end of the extra-ordinary security council, that from 6 in the evening this Sunday until 6 in the morning of next Tuesday the sale and consumption of liquor is banned in all the city. Neither will the movement of motorcycles be permitted in this same
period.
It was decided as well that every badly parked vehicle in whatever public highway or in front of official buildings, residential units or the banking zone will be immobilised.
"I call on those promoting the civic strike to desist from it and on the community not to participate, in the face of the danger that may occur. I call on calenos to work normally", begged the mayor.
The local leader said that he did not understand the attitude assumed by the EMCALI workers' union, because on Monday the destiny of the corporation will be decided as will be that of the occupation of the CAM tower which for the last 31 days has been in the power of the workers.
The local government guaranteed the provision of public transport services throughout the city. The Police and Army are positioned in strategic locations in the city to deal with any eventuality that may arise.
IV. RECOMMENDED ACTION
Send urgent protests to:
ANDRÉS PASTRANA ARANGO
Presidente de la República,
Presidencia de la República
Carrera 8 No. 7-26 Palacio de Nariño,
Santa Fe de Bogotá
Teléfono. +57.1.5629300 ext. 3550 (571) 284 33 00
Fax +(57)1 - 286 74 34 - 286, 68 42 -284 21 86
Mailto:
rdh@presidencia.gov.co LUIS CAMILO OSORIO
Fiscal General de la Nación.
(Attorney General)
Diagonal 22 B No. 52 - 01 Bogotá.
Telefax: 57.1.5702022.
Mr VICTOR RICARDO,
Ambassador to the UK,
Embassy of the Republic of Colombia
Flat 3A, 3 Hans Crescent, London SW1X 0LN, UK
Tel: (020) 7589 9177. Fax: (020) 7581 1829.
E-mail:
mail@colombianembassy.co.uk ( or in your country)
With copies to:
The National and International Human Rights Campaign Against Corruption,
Privatisation and the Criminalisation of Social Protest. E-mail
dhintegralsuroc@yahoo.com And Colombia Solidarity Campaign E-mail:
colombia_sc@hotmail.com PO Box 8466, London N17 6NZ Tel: 07950 923 448
Daniel Brett
e-mail:
dan@danielbrett.co.uk