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GUATEMALA REPLAYS WARTIME ATTACKS ON INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES TO APPEASE U.S.

Article Excerpt
A timorous Guatemala has once again sacrificed the well-being of its poor indigenous populations to the interests of the US and its penchant for punishing countries that do not toe the mark on issues of drugs and money. The Guatemalan government announced Aug. 30 the suspension of constitutional rights during a military crackdown on the border with Mexico. The putative reason was poppy plantations. The real reason, say critics, was to suppress populations that have been interfering with the plans of powerful international energy and mining interests to destroy the environment in the search for oil, gold, and other valuable resources. The populations seem to be locked in a permanent state of outrage while foreign interests decide whether they will be yoked forever to the north's lust for oil and gold, or for drugs.

The government's 15-day order suspends, at the very least, citizen's rights to carry firearms, hold meetings without authorization, or have their homes and vehicles safe from arbitrary search and seizure. The government also arrogates to itself the right to carry out its raids and operations under cover of news blackout. The order warned the media "not to incite rebellion, because on previous occasions radio stations have urged people to resist the destruction of drug crops." Border cities under siege include Ixchuguan, Concepcion Tutuapa, San Miguel Ixtahuacan, Tajamulco, and Tejutla, in the department of San Marcos.

The decree (Decree 1-2006) President Oscar Berger signed is the first step of five available to a government for suspending constitutional rights, or estados de excepcion. It is formally designated an estado de prevencion (state of prevention) and does not require the approval of the legislature. The subsequent steps are the estado de alarma (state of alarm), de calamidad publica (public calamity), the estado de sitio...

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