Скачать или смотреть ARGENTINA: BUENOS AIRES: MOTHERS OF THE "DISAPPEARED" HOLD RALLY

(1 May 1997) Spanish/Nat

The mothers of some of the estimated 30-thousand people who disappeared during the 1976-83 crackdown on leftists and political dissidents in Argentina marked 20 years of weekly marches Wednesday, demanding answers as to their children's whereabouts

Accompanied by 2000 supporters, the women demonstrated at the Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires, which was cordoned off by riot police.

One of the main targets of the protesters' criticism is President Carlos Menem, who pardoned many jailed members of the military juntas in 1990.

They have marched in protest for 20 years, travelling a seemingly endless circle to prove they will not budge on their demand for justice in the disappearance of their
sons and daughters.

The Mothers of Plaza de Mayo marked the 20th anniversary of their weekly marches Wednesday, again demanding - by their mere presence - answers: What became of their children during the military's "dirty war" and who is responsible?

The Mothers say 30-thousand people disappeared during the 1976-83 dictatorship that cracked down on leftists and political dissidents.

Officials acknowledge at least 9-thousand disappeared.

Faded pictures of the disappeared hung from lampposts and walls.

Holding banners reading, "20 Years. Not One Step Back', the mothers marched in circles because police forbid them to sit or hold public meetings there.

After two decades the plaza has assumed great emotional significance for the protesters.

SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
"Entering this plaza is of great importance. When I come into this plaza I need a few minutes to myself. I cannot immediately begin to talk with people for it is like a reunion with myself first. This handkerchief, tightly around my head, is the embrace from my sons. This is how I feel, I feel bigger, freer, stronger -- the plaza means many things, it means impunity for those in power, a fight, perseverance, not to forgive, not to forget and not to sell the blood of our sons."
Q: "How long will you continue?"
A: "As long as necessary, as long as there is one young kid eating from garbage cans."
SUPER CAPTION: Hebe de Bonifini, Founder of Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo

The Mothers number 450 nation-wide, many of them now frail and in their 70s.

The women began their protest in the Plaza de Mayo in front of Argentina's Government House in 1977.

One of the main targets of their criticism is President Carlos Menem, who pardoned many jailed members of the military juntas in 1990.

The unceasing fight for answers by such an unlikely group has attracted attention and praise around the world.

SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
"These mothers have demonstrated that fighting against injustice is always right. No matter how big the pressure, the terror or the threat, the mothers have enriched our lives. For this we should be thankful. Thank you mothers, the people of Holland embrace you."
SUPER CAPTION: Missie Bowie, Human Rights Activist from Holland

But after twenty years marching, the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo are still waiting to find out what happened to the disappeared.

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