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.