Return to the Jungle
In its first communiqué after the takeover of the residence, the MRTA demanded to be transferred to the central jungle. Some analysts believe this is merely a symbolic demand, and that in reality they would like to go abroad. In any case, the government could hardly agree to such a demand given the symbolic weight it carries. And if it did so, the most likely outcome would be that security forces would surround and destroy the subversive detachment. Published January 9, 1997.