Guerrilla in Oaxaca?

Guerrilla in Oaxaca? There is a debate as to whether armed groups have taken over the social movement in Oaxaca. It is an important debate because it makes a huge difference at the negotiation table. The Mexican government will be extremely reluctant to negotiate with a "guerrilla” group. Regardless of the outcome of this debate, the fact is that both sides of the conflict are acting like "armed groups", with the shooting, the masked commandos, the attacks on radio stations, the threats, the blockades, etc. For more on the this debate read on. The Mexico Herald at the Universal Newspaper published the following:

Gov´t denies presence of ´guerrillas´
The federal government insists there is no evidence that armed groups are involved in Oaxaca
El Universal
August 24, 2006
Federal officials dismissed here Wednesday a suggestion that guerrillas are behind protests in the southern state of Oaxaca.

Attorney General Daniel Cabeza de Vaca said he was aware of no evidence that armed irregulars are involved in growing unrest on the part of teachers and activists seeking the ouster of Oaxaca Gov. Ulises Ruiz.

"At this moment, the Attorney General´s Office has no element that implicates the participation of groups that are subversive or which could be described as destabilizing," he told a news conference in Mexico City.

The disorders in Oaxaca, he said, constitute "some criminal deeds, which in the great majority are within the jurisdiction of state authorities."

He said his office will investigate the takeover of several radio and television stations by activists from the Popular Assembly of the People of Oaxaca (APPO), a coalition of grassroots groups that back the state´s striking teachers in their battle with Gov. Ruiz.

Cabeza de Vaca´s comments came one day after state Attorney General Lizbeth Caña said the occupation of broadcast outlets and the blocking of roads in and around Oaxaca city were "acts of destabilization" consistent with an "urban guerrilla" strategy.

Later Wednesday, Oaxaca state government spokesman Miguel Concha Viloria expressed regret for Caña´s reference to the presence of "urban guerrillas" in Oaxaca.

"At no time have we seen anything that might allow us to make that assertion," Concha said. For entire article go to http://www.mexiconews.com.mx/20050.html