downtoearth-subscribe

MEXICO

Peace may yet return to Mexico. Mexican rebels from the troubled southern state of Chiapas have signalled their willingness to bury the hatchet and strike truce with the federal government. The Zapatista National Liberation Army, in a statement dated March 24, appealed for talks on "politiCal, social, cultural and economic issues."

The rebels first went on the warpath against the government on January 1, 1994. Their initial demand was for better living conditions -for the majority ethnic Mayan community in Chiapas. Later, the rebels extended their demand to democratic reforms for Chiapas (see Down To Earth, Vol 3, No 18).

Related Content