December 4, 1998
MEXICO CITY (AP) - Mexican authorities withdrew an explusion order for five U.S. clergymen who strayed near rebel territory, saying Tuesday they accepted the group's explanation that it was an honest mistake.
The clergymen, part of a 29-member delegation of the Chicago-based Pastors for Peace group, were briefly detained Saturday when they traveled to the village of El Bosque in southern Chiapas state during their rounds delivering food to hungry Indians.
El Bosque wasn't on the itinerary they filed in their visa applications.
Since May, Mexico has required that foreign observers or humanitarian workers list all places they intend to visit in order to be granted a visa. The government has been angered by foreign involvement in the political unrest that has followed a brief rebellion almost five years ago by the Zapatista National Liberation Army. More than 150 foreigners have been expelled this year for alleged political activity.
Andres Chao, spokesman for Mexico's immigration institute, said the group of five had diverted their route because a dirt road was impassable.
Two of the five clergymen left Mexico voluntarily on Monday, and the other three had been ordered to leave by Friday. Chao said the government had decided not to force them out because they accepted their mistake.
Chao said the pastors had been detained for their own safety because they were near rebel territory.
In a separate action, three Italian tourists detained in northern Chiapas state on allegations of participating in Mexican politics - illegal under a tourist visa - were to give declarations to the government Tuesday night.
Chao said migration officials would make a decision after the declarations.
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