MEXICO

It seems to be
Nigeria all over again in the
state ofTabasco near Mexico
City. Protestors have blockaded dozens of oil wells
belonging to the state-owned
oil monopoly, Petroleos
Mexicanos - Pemex for
short - accusing it of environmental damage and corruption.

"In, our region, there is
misery all around the wells
producing Mexico's black
gold. Pernex, has,@ polluted
the soils and the waters of
our rivers- and lakes. Fishing
has ceased to be one of
the principal sources of
subsistence.. We will not
allow Peinex to drill. a single
new well in this state if the
company . does not cede
benefits to the people of
Tabasco and pledge to
respect and restore our
environment, I" says Andres
Manuel Lopez Obrador,_who
is spearheading the protest
movement alongwith his
Party of the Democratic
Revolution.